2026-10-20 Tue

As we celebrate the joyous festival of Dussehra, let us explore a special postage stamp that captures the vibrant spirit of India’s festive traditions. Issued by India Post on 7 October 2008, the ₹5 commemorative stamp titled “Dussehra, Kolkata” celebrates the festival through the distinctive cultural and artistic traditions of West Bengal, where Dussehra is closely associated with the grand celebrations of Durga Puja.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the triumph of good over evil. Across India, the festival is celebrated through diverse customs, reflecting the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage. In many regions, it commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, while in West Bengal; Vijayadashami marks the culmination of Durga Puja, celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Kolkata’s Durga Puja is renowned for its elaborate artistic installations, beautifully crafted idols, decorative pandals, traditional rituals, music, and community celebrations. For devotees, the festival honours Goddess Durga as the embodiment of Shakti, or divine feminine power, and celebrates her victory over evil forces.

The final day, Vijayadashami, is marked by emotional farewell rituals as devotees bid goodbye to the goddess before her immersion. The celebrations combine devotion, artistic expression, and community participation, making Durga Puja one of the most distinctive cultural festivals of eastern India.

The “Dussehra, Kolkata” stamp recognises this regional expression of the festival and preserves its cultural significance through the art of postage stamps.

The “Dussehra, Kolkata” stamp was issued as part of India Post’s special Festivals of India series, released on 7 October 2008. With a denomination of ₹5 (500 paise), it highlighted the cultural diversity of Indian festivals and the different ways in which communities celebrate their religious traditions.

The series included three designs: Dussehra, Kolkata, Dussehra, Mysore, and Deepavali. While the Kolkata stamp reflected the traditions associated with Durga Puja, the Mysore stamp represented another celebrated regional expression of Dussehra. The Deepavali stamp completed the trio by commemorating the festival of lights.

Collectors could acquire the stamps individually or in sheets of 30. The three designs were also brought together in a colourful miniature sheet, making the issue particularly appealing to philatelists interested in Indian festivals and cultural heritage.

Postage stamps are more than instruments of communication; they are miniature ambassadors of a nation’s history, traditions, and identity. By featuring Dussehra celebrations in Kolkata, India Post recognised the importance of regional festivals in shaping the country’s cultural landscape.

The stamp also offers a meaningful connection between philately and the worship of Goddess Durga. Her victory over Mahishasura symbolises the triumph of righteousness over evil and the restoration of cosmic balance—a message that lies at the heart of Dussehra celebrations.

As we celebrate Dussehra, this 2008 commemorative stamp invites us to appreciate the many traditions that make India’s festivals unique. It serves as a lasting reminder of Kolkata’s magnificent Durga Puja and demonstrates how postage stamps can preserve the spirit of a festival for generations of collectors and admirers.

Happy Dussehra! May the victory of good over evil inspire peace, courage, and prosperity in every life. 🙏🌺📮