Proud to be a Sikkimese: Sikkim Travel, Culture & Local Heritage

  "Her crown is composed of rows of pearls, interspersed with alternating turquoises and corals. The necklace consists of coral beads and large yellow amber balls. The charm box attached to it is set with rubies, lapis lazuli, and turquoise. The portrait was painted by Damodar Dutt, a Bengali artist, in 1893." The Postcard named " Oil Portrait of the Late Queen of Sikkim " was issued by FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, CHICAGO, U.S.A.

25.11.22, Singtam : Four picture postcard on the theme of Sikkim was released by Ms J. Charukesi , the Chief Postmaster General, West Bengal Circle on a program held at Gangtok . Presence on the occasion was Mr Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Postmaster General and Mr Naseef Abdul Kader, IA&AS Deputy Accountant General (Audit) Sikkim. The program was organised by the Department of Posts, Sikkim, Gangtok . Roshan Prasad , an eminent stamp collector and philatelic cover designer from Singtam had designed the four postcards – Mount Kanchenjunga , Tsomgo Lake , Red Panda and Blood Pheasant . Speaking on the occasion, Chief Post Master General appreciated the contribution of Prasad in designing the postcards and assured support of the Sikkim Philatelic Society in promoting philately in Sikkim.

This #indrajatra2022, Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society came up with the release of two postcards. The visitors were asked to post the selected postcard to the letter box. Each of them found the initiative nostalgic and down memory lanes.

Postal envelope showing the Rangpo cancellation of 1909 Last year I read in one of the daily newspapers from Gangtok mentioning the heritage status to be given to the Rangpo Post Office for being the second oldest post office in Sikkim. Truly, it is an appreciating gesture but how correct is it to give the year of establishment as 1927. I rushed through other newspapers that carried the story but I did not find any changes in the year of establishment. Surprisingly, being related to philately I felt I need to provide some input about Sikkim's Postal History. So how about this, I have a scan of postal envelopes with a clear postal cancellation of Rangpo that reads 9 October 1909. So it makes a clear picture that Rangpo Post Office was set up prior to 1909.   On a similar account, I read in the newspapers about Rhenock making a bid for the first post office in Sikkim. I am not so sure about the old post offices; here I am talking about the houses in which the post office was se...

The first sight i came across to this small picture post card, i said to myself ...its beautiful. Delcampe.com a popular auction house is selling a picture postcard published from Italy that belongs to 1960s with a beautiful designed map of Sikkim and its surrounding countries.  The map of Sikkim belongs to Independent Sikkim where India is also shown separately. Want to buy this stuff, its only 3 pound for you. 

As always i am excited as well as surprised to find two post cards of famed Namgyal Institute of Tibetology of Sikkim at Deorali on sell at ebay. The more interesting for me or i say to myself i never knew Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was earlier known as Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology. The post cards costs you US $9.99.

This vintage post cards of the 40 Maharajas of India had a surprise face of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal. source: ebay

Road Rolling Labor-intensive road rolling helped to create smoother and less permeable roads The early history of road rolling in Europe can be traced to the 18th century when roads became militarily important. High-quality roads also played an important role in the British colonization of India. As the quality of roads increased, the British found it easier to travel to different parts of the country thereby expanding their rule. This real-photo postcard depicts the teenage girls who often were the main labor force that pushed the heavy iron road rollers in towns like Darjeeling. A Dandy A Hill Coolie Girl (TIBET POST) Darjeeling, the Double Loop The double loop offers a magnificent view of Darjeeling and Mount Everest The toy train of Darjeeling is a major draw for tourists. This zigzag railway route connects Darjeeling to Siliguri in North Bengal. This postcard view is one of the most common from the Darjeeli...