Jhulelal Sahib 2013 India Stamp

Jhulelal Saint also known as Lal Sai, Uderolal, Varun Dev, Doolhalal & Zinda Pir

Jhulelal as the Asht Dev (community God) of sindhis. His Birthday "Cheti Chand" second tithi of Chaitra auspicious for sindhis and is celebrated the world over with traditional pomp and gaiety. But how, when and where in history was the lord of sind born?

The Hindu legend of Jhulelal or the River Diety has its historical or semi-historical beginnings in Sind, an erstwhile province of united India and now a state of Pakistan. During the days of Sapt-Sindhu (land of seven rivers), the mainstream Sindhu and its tributaries were considered life-givers to the people who lived on its banks and drew sustenance from its waters. It was precisely the lure of plentiful water that brought invading hordes of Muslim rulers from the neighbouring Arabian Kingdoms to Sind and India. Having conquered Sind and its adjoining territories, they spread Islam at the point of the sword. In the 10th century A.D. Sind came under the rule of Samras. The Samras being converts from Hinduism to Islam were neither bigots nor fanatics. However, there was no exception in the Sumra region. Being far away from its capital, Thatta maintained its separate identity and influence. Its rulers Mirkshah was not only a tyrant but also a religious fanatic. And as in the wont of many a tyrant, Mirkshah too was surrounded by sycophants. These friends advised him one day : "Spread Islam and you will be granted 'Janat' or eternal bliss after death."

Swayed by the promise, Mirkshah summoned the 'panchs' (representatives) of the Hindus and ordered them : "Embrace Islam or prepare to die". The terrified Hindus begged Mirkshah for time to consider the 'shahi firman' or royal edict. The pompous Mirkshah relented and agreed to give the desperate Hindus forty days to plead with their God.

Faced with imminent death, the Hindus turned to God Varuna, the God of the River, to come to their aid. For forty days, they underwent penance. They neither shaved nor wore new clothes, praying and fasting and singing songs in the praise of God Varuna. They beseeched him to deliver them from the hands of their persecutor.

On the fortieth day, a voice was heard from Heaven : "Fear not, I shall save you from the wicked Mirkshah. I shall come down as a mortal and take birth in the womb of Mata Devki in the house of Ratanchand Lohano of Nasarpur". After forty days of chaliho, the followers of Jhulelal even today celebrate the occasion with festivity as Thanksgiving Day.

The oppressed Hindus now anxiously awaited the birth of their deliverer. After three months, the second tithi of Asu month, they got confirmation of the news that Mata Devki has indeed conceived. The River God has incarnated himself in her womb. The Hindus rejoiced and praised the Lord.

On Cheti Chand, two tithis from the new moon of Chaitra, Mata Devki gave birth to a boony boy,  A miracle hailed the child's birth.  The babe opened his mouth and behold! there flowed the Sindhu with an old man sitting cross-legged on a pala fish.  The pala fish as everyone knows is a tasty fish which always swims against the current.

To welcome the newborn 'avatar', unseasonal clouds gathered and brought down torrential rains.  The child was named 'Udaichand' (Uday in Sanskrit means moon-beams).  Udaichand was to be the light in the darkness.  An astrologer who saw the child  predicted that he would grow up to be a great warrior and his fame would outlive the child.  Udaichand was also called 'Uderolal' (Udero in Sanskrit means 'one who has sprung from water').  Inhabitants of Nasarpur lovingly called the child 'Amarlal' (immortal) child.  The cradle where little Udero rested began to sway to and fro on its own.  It is because of this that 'Uderolal' became popularly known as 'Jhulelal' or the swinging child.  Soon after the child's birth Mata Devki passed away.  A little later Ratanchand  remarried.

News of the birth of the mysterious child reached Mirkshah who once again summoned the Panchs and repeated his royal threat.  Hindus, now quite confident that their saviour had arrived, implored him for some more time informing him that their saviours was none other than the Water God himself.  Mirkshah scoffed at the very idea of a child saving the Hindus.  "Neither am I going to die nor are you, people going to leave this land alive", he jeered.  "I shall wait.   When your saviour embraces Islam, I am sure you will also follow suit."   With this remark, the haughty Mirkshah threw a challen he to his Hindu subjects.

The  maulvis pressed Mirkshah hard not to let the Hindus of the hook.  But the very thought of the child proving more than a match for him amused the conceited ruler.  He therefore told the maulvis to wait and watch.  As a token precaution, he asked one of his ministers Ahirio, to go to Nasarpur to see things first hand, Ahirio did not want to take any chances.  So he took along a rose dipped in deadly poison.

At the very first glimpse of the child, Ahirio was astonished.  He had never seen a child so dazzling or more charming.  He hesitated, then mustering courage proferred the rose to the child.  *The child gave a meaningful smile while accepting the rose.  He then blew away the flower with a single breath.  The flower fell at Ahirio's feet.  Ahirio watched stupefied as the babe changed into an old man with a long beard.  All of a sudden the old man turned into a lad of sixteen. And then he saw Uderolal on horseback with a blazing sword in his hand.*  There were row upon row warriors behind him.  A cold shiver ran down Ahirio's spine and he bowed his head in reverence.  "Have mercy on me Sindhu Lord", he prayed "I am convinced".

On his return Ahirio narrated the miraculous happening to Mirkshah.   But Mirkshah was not convinced.  He hardened his heart even more.   "How can a little baby turn into an old     man ? " he mocked.  "It looks like you have been fooled by simple magic."  But in his heart, Mirkshah was afraid.  That night he dreamt a dreadful dream.  A child was sitting on his neck.  The vision changed to an old man with a flowing beard.  And again to a warrior with a drawn sword confronting Mirkshah on the battlefield.  Next morning Mirkshah called for Ahirio and gave him orders to counter the threat posed by the child.  Ahirio, however, advised Mirkshah not to rush matters.

Meanwhile, the child Uderolal grew in stature and spirit performing miracles and comforting the sick.  Residents of Nasarpur wre fully convinced that God had come to save them.  Uderolal also received the 'Gur Mantar of 'Alakh Niranjan' from Goraknath.

To earn money for the family, Udero's stepmother would send him to the market to sell baked beans,  Instead of going to the market, Uderolal would go to the banks of the Sindhu.  There he would distribute half of the beans among beggars, the poor and the sadhus.  The other half, he would offer to the Sindhu.  He would them spend the rest of the speaking to little children and the elderly about spiritual wealth.  In the evening when it was time to go home, Udero would fish out from the river a container full of fine quality rice.  This he would take home and give it to his step mother.

Growing suspicious about her step son's behaviour, the step mother one day despatched Ratanchand to follow him.  When Ratanchand witnessed the miracle, he bowed to Uderolal froma distance and accepted him as the Saviour.

Mirkshah on the other hand was being pressurised by the Maulvis to bring Hindu infidels into the fold of Islam.  They gave him the ultimatum.   "Order the Hindus to convert or be branded as associate of kafirs."   Fearing the wrath of the clerics, Mirkshah decided to meet Uderolal face to face.   He asked Ahirio to arrange for a private meeting with Udero. 

Ahirio who had in the meantime become a devotee of Daryashah, went to the banks of the Indus and pleaded with the Water God to come to his rescue.  To Ahirio's amazement, he saw the same old man with a white beard floating on a pala fish.   Ahirio's head bowed in adoration and he understood that Uderolal, the Water God, was in fact the other form of Khwaja Khirz.  Ahirio then saw Udero leap onto a horse and gallop away with a sword in one hand and a flag in the other.

Udero appeared before Mirkshah and explained to the stubborn ruler : *"Whatever you see around you is the creation of only one God, whom you call 'Allah' and the Hindus call 'Ishwar'."* The maulvis urged Mirkshah not to pay any heed to the infidels's talks and to arrest him.  Mirkshah dithering as usual ordered hos soldiers to arrest Udero.

As the officials of the court moved towards Udero, great waves of water leaped forth inundating the courtyard and crowning Mirkshah and his courtiers.  Fire too broke our and the palace was consumed by the flames.  All escape routes were sealed.  Udero spoke again, "Mirkshah, think it over.  Your God and mine are the same.  Then, why did you persecute my people ?"

Mirkshah was terrified and begged Udero, "My Lord, I realise my foolhardiness.  Please save me and my courtiers."  All at once the water receded and the fire died away.  Mirkshah bowed respectfully and agreed to treat Hindus and Muslims alike.  Before they dispersed, Uderolal told the Hindus to think of him as the embodiment of light and water.  He also told them to build a temple in memory of transformation of Mirkshah.  "Day in and out", he said "light a candle in the temple and always keep available water for daat (holy sip)".

Uderolal named his cousin, Pagad, as the first Thakur (Priest of the religious sect that believes in Water God).  Pagad followed Uderolal wherever he went.  Uderolal gave seven sysmbolic things to Pagad.  These seven from the essential elements of the Daryahi sect.  Uderolal asked Pagad to continue the sacred work of building temples and spread the message.

Selecting a place near village Thijahar, Uderolal gave up his earthly form.  Both Hindus and Muslims were present in the large number to witness this mysterious happening.  Mirkshah's representatives were also there.  No sooner Uderolal's soul left his body, they took charge and wanted to build a 'Turbat' or 'Qaba" at the site according to the dictates of Islam.  The Hindus wanted to erect a 'Samadhi' according to Hindu custom.  While the debate regard, heavy rains came down a voice said : "Behold ! You shall make my shrine acceptable both to Hindus and Muslims.  Let its one face be a temple and the other a Dargah (Shrine).  I belong to all of you."

Jhulelal continues to be the unifying force and the centre of all cultural activities of the Sindhi community.  The word Sindhi is derived from the river Sindhu (now in Pakistan)."  When Sindhi men venture out to sea their women pray to him for their safe return.  They offer the Lord prasad of akha, a sweet made from rice, ghee, sugar and flour.  Sindhis all over the world greet each other with "Jhulelal Bera-Hee-Paar".

Department of Posts released commemorative postage stamp on Jhulelal Sahib

Issued Date : 17.03.2013
Denomination : 500 Paise

Nanalal Dalpatram Kavi 1978 India Stamp

Nanalal Dalpatram Kavi was a famous poet associated with Gujarati literature, fondly called "Kavishwar" by Gujarathis. He is also referred to by the name, Nhanalal. An integral personality associated with Gujarati’s social and cultural lives, he wrote the most popular prayer song,Asatyo mahe thi, which is still sung in many schools across Gujarat.

He was the fourth son of Dalpatram, a pioneer of modern Gujarati Poetry.Vishva-Gita, Yug-Vandana, Jaya-Jayant, Ketlaak-Kaavyo, Nhana Nhana Raas and Hari Lilamratare his contributions to Gujarati literature. He hailed Mahatma Gandhi as Hermit of Gujarat on the occasion of his 50th birthday through a poem he composed in 1919.

Nanalal was born on March 16, 1877 in Ahmedabad as the fourth son of Dalpatram, who played a significant role in reviving Gujarati language through his poems and plays. Nanalal completed his Master’s in Arts before beginning his professional career as a school teacher. Later he become a college professor and taught students at Rajkumar College, Rajkot. Chief Justice of Rajkot in British India, followed by Education Officer Kathiawad in 1918 are the major roles he played later in his professional journey.
A Gandhian, he participated in Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, resigning his government job.

A lyrical poet he was also a romantic poet who has also written plays, novels, short stories, biography, essays and critic works and also attempted narrative poetry on epic scale. He owned a distinctive diction of his own and has authored more than 80 books belonging to different genres.
His career as a poet spanned to about 50 years in the pre-independent era. His first work, Ketlaak-Kaavyo, a collection of poems was published in 1903, and the last one, Hari samhitawas published posthumously in 1959.

The  Department of  Posts released commemorative Postage Stamps paying tribute to him on his Centenary

Issued Date : 16. 03.1978
Denomination :25 Paise

Hampi Stone Chariot 1967 India Stamp

The Stone Chariot in Hampi is an artistic marvel that is renowned for its exquisite architecture. The Stone Chariot is located within the Vittala Temple complex that is situated in the north eastern part of Hampi. The striking chariot is considered  to be the most fascinating sculptural achievement of the Vijayanagara era.

This stunning structure of Hampi has become one of the most famous symbols of Karnataka Tourism. The structure is a huge attraction for the tourists and is often considered by the visitors as the highlight of their Hampi trail. The Stone Chariot at Hampi is one of the three famous stone chariots in India. The other two chariots are situated in Konark (Odissa) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu).

The Stone Chariot of the Vittala Temple complex is also known as the "Kallina Ratha" in Kannada, This ancient structure was built in the 16th century, during the rule of King Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest kings of the Vijayanagara Empire.

It is believed that the idea for the construction of the chariot dates back to the time when King Krishnadevaraya  saw the famous stone chariot at the Konark Sun Temple in Odissa while waging war on the eastern state.

The architecture and beauty of the chariot at Konark Sun Temple fascinated him so much that he decided to construct a similar chariot in his own kingdom, Vijayanagara. As Hampi was the core of the  Vijayanagara Empire, he decided to build a magnificent  stone chariot in Hampi.

Interestingly, the locals at Hampi believe that the world will be destroyed the day the Stone Chariot of the Vittala Temple moves from its place.

The Stone Chariot represents  the artistic perfection of the craftsmen of the Vijayanagara period. The structure was carved with great precision. The Stone Chariot is actually a shrine that has been given the shape of a chariot and has been decorated with ornamental carvings.

The shrine is dedicated to Garuda, the mythical mount of Lord Vishnu. The temple had an image of Garuda enshrined inside the sanctum. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful monuments in Hampi.

The beautiful chariot is a piece of creative excellence. It was meant to be a decorative shrine and was not built for transportation. So, unlike the wooden temple chariots, this stone chariot never moved from its place since its construction more than 500 years ago.

The Stone Chariot is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. One of the specialties of the architecture of this structure is that the chariot looks as if it is a monolithic structure that has been carved out of a gigantic stone.

However, the colossal structure was built using a number of granite blocks of huge size. The joints of the granite blocks were hidden by exceptional carvings and it provided the chariot the look of a monolithic structure.

The chariot is built on an ornamental rectangular base that has a height of about one foot. The base platform is decorated with scenes from mythical battles. The chariot has four massive granite stone wheels attached to it with axis shafts. The wheels are decorated with floral motifs and are capable of revolving.

*The chariot has two elephants positioned at its front side. It seems as if the elephants are pulling the chariot. However, on careful observation it can be seen that the two elephants do not belong to the original structure of the chariot. They were added later on to replace the two horses that were carved into the front position of the chariot.*

It is presumed that the sculptures of the horses were somehow destroyed and the elephants were placed in front of the chariot as their replacement. In fact, the tails and the hind legs of the horses can be seen behind the structures of the elephants even now.

There was once a stone ladder that was used to access the sanctum of the shrine. The ladder can be seen between the sculptures of elephants.

The Stone Chariot is a representation of the rich sculptural beauty prevalent during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. However, the structure has suffered some damage through the centuries.

Today The sanctum of the shrine once contained an image of Garuda. The sanctum is an empty structure now as the image is no longer there. The giant granite wheels of the chariot were designed for rotation. Some years ago the government cemented the wheels of the chariot and rendered them unmovable. This was done to protect the wheels from any further damage caused by their turning by the huge number of tourists.

There was a large superstructure of the chariot that has gone missing over the centuries. It is not clear whether it has crashed or was removed to protect the remaining part of the chariot. But it was definitely an impressive part of the stone chariot.

Now-a-days there are floodlights installed within the Vittala Temple complex. These floodlights illuminate the chariot in the evenings and provide an amazing view of the beautiful structure. The bright lights illuminating the structure against the backdrop of the dark night sky is a grand view that leaves the spectator mesmerised.

Department  of Posts  issued definitive  postage stamp on Hampi Stone Chariot along  with  4th Definitive-Agriculture & Tourism series.

Issued  Date :15.03.1967
Denomination: 70 Paise

Albert Einstein 1979 India Stamp

India had a special relations with Albert Einstein. He admired Indian philosophy and Mahatma Gandhi.

14th March 1979
Albert Einstein ( Physicist ) - Birth Centenary

Danmal Mathur 2009 India Stamp

Shri Danmal Mathur is remembered as a well known and highly respected luminary of Rajasthan. Multifaceted and diligent, he was born on 14th March 1904 in Ajmer and made a mark for himself as an educationist. His father, Munshi Kanmal Mathur, had been Housemaster of Kotah House in Mayo College earlier, and was known for being a man of principle and a disciplinarian.  A young Danmal imbibed his father’s qualities.

On 25th Feb., 1916 (when he was only 12) Danmalji was married to Roop Kanwar, daughter of Shri Devi Dayal Mathur of Kharwa.The adage ‘Behind every successful man is a woman’ is exemplified in its entirety by the support Shri Danmal received from his wife who managed the house-hold and brought up a large family, allowing her husband time to give to the innumerable professional, philanthropic, societal and other commitments he was destined to be a part of.

He passed his B.Sc. examination from  Government  College, Ajmer in 1927 where he was appointed ‘Demonstrator’ in Physics. He was HOD and Vice Principal Mayo College.

With a Bachelor’s degree from Government College, Ajmer, he went on to work as Demonstrator in Physics and later taught in Sardar High School, Bharatpur, for three years. The Principal of Mayo College in 1932, Mr. V.A.S. Shaw, recognizing his potential, appointed him to teach Geography in Mayo College. He rose to become Head of the Geography Department. Later, he went on to become Housemaster, then Vice Principal and also acting Principal before retirement in 1969.

He was the founder Principal of Vidya Niketan School in Bhilwara and the Mayoor School in Ajmer.

In 1947 Shri Danmal  accompanied  the Indian Scouts contingent as a senior member to Paris at the international Scouts Jamboree.

In 1952 Shri Danmal was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to the USA where he impressed the various forums  he  addressed,  by his views on Education and his  expositions on Indian culture and religion. In  the  same year Shri Danmal was awarded the ‘International Service Star’ for his valuable  services by Lord Mountbatten of Burma and Chief Scout of India.

In his quest to spread the message of scouting, Shri Danmal started scouting in the Railways at the Mt. Abu camp in 1948. also took a contingent of scouts to Japan in 1953.

When Ajmer was merged with Rajasthan in 1956 Shri Danmal was appointed Divisional Secretary and later Commissioner of Rajasthan State Scouts  and Guides.It was because of his efforts in persuading the Government that a 17 acre permanent scouts campsite was set up at Pushkar Ghati, and land was allotted for setting up the Divisional Headquarters for Scouts in ‘Tope Dara’ in Ajmer.

*For his contribution to Scouting the National Headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides honoured him by decorating him first with the ‘Silver Star’ and subsequently, in 1970, with the ‘Silver Elephant’ the highest award in Scouting in India.*

Shri Mathur excelled in games also and achieved the rare distinction of captaining all the three major games; cricket, football and hockey in the same year in Govt. College, Ajmer. He was awarded the ‘Colvin Gold Medal’ in recognition of his sporting achievements in Govt. College.

*Subsequently, he played cricket for Rajputana and was in the team which played against the M.C.C. when it toured India and Australia in the thirties.*

“Maa’t Saab”, as he was affectionately called, endeared himself to his students and inspired confidence in them. Pursuit of excellence and commitment to the task in hand were the guiding principals of his life. Any history of Mayo College, Ajmer, the Scout movement in India and education in Rajasthan would be incomplete without mention of Danmal Mathur.

Department of Posts released commemorative postage stamp on Danmal Mathur.

Issued Date : 07.11.2009
Denomination :500 Paise

Rashtriya Indian Military College 1997 India Stamp

The RIMC was the first public school of India set up on the lines of Eton and Harrow for a small number of carefully selected boys. It has even now retained its characteristics of being a cradle of excellence, leadership and bravery.

The Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), is an Inter Service Category 'A' establishment, administered through the Director General of Militry Training, Army Headquarters DHQ PO New Delhi-110011. Its origin to the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College, inaugurated on 13th March 1922 by his Royal Highness, Prince Edward VIII the Prince of Wales. It was then located on the premises of the erstwhile Imperial Cadet Corps ( also called Rajwada Camp), set amidst 138 acres of lush green countryside adjacent to Garhi Village in Dehradun Cantonment.

During his address to the first thirty-seven cadets he said, "It is the first few blows on the anvil of the life that give the human weapon the set and temper that carry him through life's battles". The Prince also made reference to the old Indian tradition of "Guru and Chela". This relationship of mutual love and reverence has formed the basis of RIMC ethos. 

RIMC has a long history and rich traditions. Over the year the alumni has produced many leaders of society, both military as well as civil. Four chiefs of Army staff and one chief of the Air staff in India; one Commander-in-chief of the Army and two chief of the Air staff in Pakistan; scores of officers of General/Flag/Air rank, Commanding corps, fleets, wings and divisions and other distinguished appointments both sides of the border. Besides, many high civilian dignitaries like Governors, Ambassadors, Ministers and Captains of industry have passed through the RIMC's hallowed portals. Portraits of such luminaries adorn our walls at strategic places as inspiring beacons for young students of the day.

Second Lieutenant (Later Lieutenant general) P.S. Bhagat and free India’s first Param Vir Chakra of the Kashmir War of 1947, Major Somnath Sharma were both alumini of the RIMC.

In the sphere of sports and adventure activities, so important for building character, the RIMC has excelled at all India levels. The college squash team has more than once been the National champions in the under 16 category. In soccer, the college team remains one of the top few. The young cadets have taken to diversified disciplines such as mountaineering, white water rafting, naval cruises, desert safaris, hot air ballooning, mountain cycling and para sailing. Notable among recent mountaineering achievements has been the successful summitting of Mount Kedarnath dome (6830 meters) by four boys, thus setting a world record for the youngest to scale such a height. ‘The Cradle of Excellence’ has produced three Arjuna award winners comprising a leader of the Mount Everest expedition; participants of the renowned round the world sailing expedition on the yatch Trishna and in squash.

The Department  of  Posts  released commemorative postage stamps to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehra Dun.

Issued  Date : 13.03.97
Denomination : 200 Paise

Holi on 2002 Children’s Day India Stamp

One of the major festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar.

Holi festival may be celebrated with various names and people of different states might be following different traditions. But, what makes Holi so unique and special is the spirit of it which remains the same throughout the country and even across the globe, wherever it is celebrated.

Entire country wears a festive look when it is time for Holi celebration. Market places get abuzz with activity as frenzied shoppers start making preparations for the festival. Heaps of various hues of gulal and abeer can be seen on the roadside days before the festival. Pichkaris in innovative and modern design too come up every year to lure the children who wish to collect them as Holi memorabilia and of course, to drench everybody in the town.

Womenfolk too start making early preparations for the holi festival as they cook loads of gujiya, mathri and papri for the family and also for the relatives. At some places specially in the north women also make papads and potato chips at this time.

Everybody gets delighted at the arrival of Holi as the season itself is so gay. Holi is also called the Spring Festival - as it marks the arrival of spring the season of hope and joy. The gloom of the winter goes as Holi promises of bright summer days. Nature too, it seems rejoices at the arrival of Holi and wears its best clothes. Fields get filled with crops promising a good harvest to the farmers and flowers bloom colouring the surroundings and filling fragrance in the air.

A Hindu festival, Holi has various legends associated with it. The foremost is as below :

(1)  The legend of demon King Hiranyakashyap who demanded everybody in his kingdom to worship him but his pious son, Prahlad became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be killed. He asked his sister Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon which made he immune to fire. Story goes that Prahlad was saved by lord himself for his extreme devotion and evil minded Holika was burnt to ashes, for her boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.

Since that time, people light a bonfire, called Holika on the eve of Holi festival and celebrate the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion to god. Children take special delight in the tradition and this has another legend attached to it. It says that there was once an ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Prithu. She was chased away by children on the day of Holi. Therefore, children are allowed to play pranks at the time of 'Holika Dahan'.

(2) Some also celebrate the death of evil minded Pootana. The ogress tried to Lord Krishna as an infant by feeding it poisonous milk while executing the plan of Kansa, Krishna's devil uncle. However, Krishna sucked her blood and brought her end. Some who view the origin of festivals from seasonal cycles believe that Pootana represents winter and her death the cessation and end of winter.

(3) In South India, people worship Kaamadeva- the god of love and passion for his extreme sacrifice. According to a legend, Kaamadeva shot his powerful love arrow on Lord Shiva to revoke his interest in the worldly affairs in the interest of the earth. However, Lord Shiva was enraged as he was in deep mediation and opened his third eye which reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. Though, later on the request of Rati, Kaamadeva's wife, Shiva was pleased to restore him back.

On the eve of Holi, called Chhoti or Small Holi people gather at important crossroads and light huge bonfires, the ceremony is called Holika Dahan. This tradition is also followed in Gujarat and Orissa. To render greatfulness to Agni, god of Fire, gram and stalks from the harvest are also offered to Agni with all humility. Ash left from this bonfire is also considered sacred and people apply it on their foreheads. People believe that the ash protects them from evil forces.

Great excitement can be seen in people on the next day when it is actually the time for the play of colours. Shops and offices remain closed for the day and people get all the time to get crazy and whacky. Bright colours of gulal and abeer fill the air and people take turns in pouring colour water over each other. Children take special delight in spraying colours on one another with their pichkaris and throwing water balloons and passers by. Women and senior citizen form groups called tolis and move in colonies - applying colours and exchanging greetings. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak and mouthwatering Holi delicacies are the other highlights of the day.

Lovers too long to apply colours on their beloved. This has a popular legend behind it. It is said that the naughty and mischievous Lord Krishna started the trend of playing colours. He applied colour on her beloved Radha to make her one like him. The trend soon gained popularity amongst the masses. No wonder, there is no match to the Holi of Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana - the places associated with the birth and childhood of Radha and Krishna.

There is also a tradition of consuming the very intoxicating bhang on this day to further enhance the spirit of Holi. It is so much fun to watch the otherwise sober people making a clown of themselves in full public display. Some, however, take bhang in excess and spoil the spirit. Caution should therefore be taken while consuming bhang delicacies.

After a funfilled and exciting day, the evenings the spent in sobriety when people meet friends and relatives and exchange sweets and festive greetings.

It is said the spirit of Holi encourages the feeling of brotherhood in society and even the enemies turn friend on this day. People of all communities and even religions participate in this joyous and colouful festival and strenthen the secular fabric of the nation.

Today Entire country wears a festive look during Holi celebration. Market places get abuzz with activity as frenzied shoppers start making preparations for the festival. Heaps of various hues of gulal and abeer can be seen on the roadside days before the festival. ! Sprinklers in innovative and modern design too come up every year to lure the children who wish to collect them as Holi memorabilia and of course, to drench everybody around.

The Department of Posts  issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring festival of Holi on 2002 Children’s Day

Issued  Date : 14.11.2002
Denomination :500 Paise