India Post has paid tribute to legendary maestros of Indian classical music by releasing a set of stamps

India Post has paid tribute to legendary maestros of Indian classical music by releasing a set of stamps featuring eight of them on Wednesday. On the very first day, music lovers booked and purchased the precious stamps worth Rs 25,000 in Allahabad.

TOI had recently published the decision of the department to release the set of eight stamps after a delay of over a year.

The department issued eight stamps based on Indian musicians who have make their presence in international arena. These include Ali Akbar Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, DK Pattammal, Kumar Gandharva, Mallikarjun Mansur, Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan. Stamps issued on Ravi Shankar and Bhimsen Joshi are in denomination of Rs 25 whereas other stamps are in the denomination of Rs 5 only.

All the stamps are a one time release only.

These stamps are available in Allahabad Region at Philatelic Bureaus of Allahabad Head Post Office and Varanasi Head Post Office.

Krishna Kumar Yadav, director, postal services, said, "The buyers include fans of musicians, youngsters, stamp collectors including government officials and professional. Many of these people are procuring these postage stamps for gifting to other persons also."

Other than above, these stamps and other items are being also dispatched by registered post to 801 Philatelic Deposit Account holders of Allahabad Philatelic Bureau, added Yadav.

A total 46 lakhs stamps and 4 lakh miniature sheets have been printed. Apart from these, First Day Cover and Information Brochure have also been issued, which are available for Rs 5 each respectively, Yadav informed.

Release of stamps on classical music maestros who gave a new dimension to Indian music has been widely appreciated.

Mehul Kumar, a stamp collector, said he was eagerly awaiting the release of stamps of musicians.

"It will be a valuable collection for us as it would be the first of its kind collection of stamp on Indian classical music in the past few years. Further, the release being a commemorative and a one-time release, carries big importance," added Mehul.

A music lover, Shikhar, said, "The legendary vocalists and instrumentalists have captivated the audience worldwide through their talent and now they will hog the limelight through stamps."

SOURCE- Times of india