The Bihar Philatelic Exhibition 2024 wrapped up on Saturday, showcasing over 20,000 postage stamps, postcards, and handwritten letters from historic figures. The three-day event in Patna attracted history enthusiasts from all over, with displays that spanned 450 frames and 128 unique themes.
One of the highlight attractions was the world’s first postage stamp, known as the Copper Ticket, which was issued on March 31, 1774, from Patna Post. The copper stamps, valued at one and two annas, were among the rarest exhibits.
Other exclusive items included six of the world’s rarest postage stamps, displayed at the exhibition. A Bihar postal department official revealed that the exhibition also featured 30 handwritten letters from prominent figures such as Raja Ram Mohun Roy, Mahatma Gandhi, and Raj Kumar Shukla. Notably, 20 of Gandhi’s letters were showcased, including those related to his Champaran visit in 1917.
In addition to the stamps and letters, visitors were also treated to an impressive collection of 500 postcards from various periods.
During the event, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, the Revenue and Land Reforms Minister, highlighted the importance of philately, calling it more than just a hobby. Philately connects the past with the present and helps preserve history for future generations, Jaiswal remarked.
The exhibition also featured a special coin sale, where visitors could purchase rare coins from different centuries. Prasanta Kumar Das, Secretary of the Kolkata Hobby Dealers’ Association, displayed 450 rare coins, including a Re1 silver coin from King William’s era (1835) and a Buddha silver coin (2020) priced at Rs 40,000.
Students from around 500 schools participated in various competitions during the event, including quiz, Sudoku, letter-writing, and stamp-designing contests. Cultural events also added to the festivities.
On the closing day, Chief Post Master General Anil Kumar, along with other officials, addressed the attendees, marking the success of this year’s exhibition.
This event not only celebrated philately but also served as a unique opportunity to connect with India’s rich history and culture through stamps, letters, and coins.
