Prayagraj: In a tribute to the rich spiritual and cultural legacy of the Maha Kumbh 2025, the Department of Posts has released a special souvenir sheet featuring three commemorative postage stamps. The stamps were officially unveiled by Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, at the Arail Ghat Post Office in Prayagraj.
Alongside the stamp release, the Department of Posts introduced a series of philatelic items, including special covers and cancellations dedicated to sacred Snan days, as well as a picture postcard titled Prakhyat Prayagraj, celebrating the city’s spiritual significance. These philatelic releases aim to highlight the historical, religious, and cultural importance of Maha Kumbh, a festival deeply rooted in Hindu tradition.
Maha Kumbh, held once every 144 years in Prayagraj, is steeped in mythology. According to Hindu scriptures, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), gods and demons fought over Amrit (the nectar of immortality). During this celestial battle, drops of the nectar fell at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—where the Kumbh Mela is held. Maha Kumbh remains the grandest of these gatherings, drawing millions of devotees from around the world.
The three commemorative stamps are inspired by the Sanskrit verse:
त्रिवेणीं माधवं सोमं भरद्वाजं च वासुकिम्।
वन्दे अक्षयवटं शेष प्रयागं तीर्थनायकम॥
Designed by noted artist Sankha Samanta, the stamps illustrate three sacred aspects of Prayagraj’s Triveni Tirtha—Maharshi Bharadwaj Ashram, Snan (ritual bath), and Akshayvat.
The first stamp features Maharshi Bharadwaj Ashram, an ancient center of learning mentioned in the Ramayana, where Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman sought guidance during their Vanvas. The second stamp portrays Snan, the holy dip taken by millions at the Triveni Sangam in the belief that it purifies the soul and leads to moksha. The third stamp is dedicated to Akshayvat, the legendary immortal Banyan tree where Lord Ram and his family are believed to have rested. Ancient scriptures state that this sacred tree remains steadfast even during cosmic dissolution (pralay).
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