2018-01-12 Fri

A special cover and ‘My Stamp’ will be released on 18th January by the Postal Department to celebrate the proclamation of St. Lawrence Minor Basilica of Attur near Karkala. A retired bank officer, philatelist, curator and guide of Corporation Heritage Museum Udupi, M.K. Krishnayya is the man behind this initiative.

The state of St. Lawrence at Attur was upgraded to minor Basilica on 26th April 2016. The St. Lawrence Shrine is the 22nd basilica in India and the second in Karnataka after St. Mary’s Basilica in Bengaluru. The St. Lawrence Shrine became minor basilica on 1st August 2016. The event is aimed at promoting tourism and creating awareness about the history of Basilica. The special cover features a picture of the Basilica and statue of St Lawrence.

‘My Stamp’ is a service by India post where a customised thumbnail photograph is printed alongside the selected Commemorative Postage Stamp. The service is available in certain philatelic bureau and post offices in tourist places. Events for which official commemorative stamps cannot be issued by India Post, special covers with a special cancellation from the specific post office are released by individuals. The special cover and ‘My Stamp’ will be released in the presence of Bishop of Udupi Diocese - Gerald Isaac Lobo.