2019-12-24 Tue

In the year 2012, India and Israel issued a set of two stamps celebrating the 20 years of diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two countries continues to develop and grow.

Since 1992, Israel has emerged as an important partner for India on many fronts. Science and technology cooperation is a major growth area, and the India-Israel Initiative for Industrial R&D focuses on nanotechnology, biotechnology, space, water management, and non-conventional energy sources. The 20 years of celebration came up with a joint issue with the theme Holy Days & Celebrations, Festivals of lights, Deepavali in India and Hanukkah in Israel.

The 2 NIS stamp of Israel depicts Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival which starts on Dhanteras, celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu calendar month Ashwin and ends on Bhaubeej, celebrated on second lunar day of Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu calendar month Kartik. In the Gregorian calendar, Deepavali falls between mid-October and mid-November. The Indian stamp shows a row of traditional earthen lamps or diyas, representing Deepavali.

The INR 5 stamp depicts Hanukkah - an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Greeks of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The Israeli stamp features a menorah with the word “Zion” inscribed inside a Magen David star.

Image Courtesy: http://www.indianphilately.net

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