A rose is a rose and a stamp is a stamp and now the twain shall meet. Next week, the Department of Posts will release a special set of four commemorative fragrant stamps which smell of roses.
The release of the rose-scented stamps follows the success of the postal department’s first fragrant stamp released on December 13. All stocks of the commemorative sandalwood scented stamps have been sold out, said department officials. And commemorative stamps are never reissued.
With the heady scent of success behind it, the Department of Posts has roped in film star Preity Zinta to release the stamps in Mumbai on February 7, sources told Hindustan Times on Saturday.
"The roses we have picked are all Indian breeds," said the official spokesman, Ministry of Communications. Dilli Princess in pink and the yellow Jawahar are priced at Rs 15 while the red Bheem and silver pink Neelum are in denominations of Rs five.
"It is an excellent idea to release fragrant stamps," said O.P. Gupta, general secretary of the Chandigarh Philatelic Club. "Their novelty value generates more interest among collectors. There is also great demand for such stamps from the international market."
The department has commissioned the Indian Security Press at Nasik to print eight lakh stamps of each of the four roses. In addition, four lakh miniature sheets – a collector’s edition of miniature stamps – presentation packs of 16 stamps and a special greeting card with a set of four stamps and a special envelope are being printed.
{{/usCountry}}The department has commissioned the Indian Security Press at Nasik to print eight lakh stamps of each of the four roses. In addition, four lakh miniature sheets – a collector’s edition of miniature stamps – presentation packs of 16 stamps and a special greeting card with a set of four stamps and a special envelope are being printed.
{{/usCountry}}Sources said the overwhelming response to the first scented stamp has resulted in a decision to issue scented stamps at regular intervals but specific fragrances and themes are still being finalised. For now, it is roses in February, the month of St Valentine.
Email Nandini R Iyer: nandiniriyer@hindustantimes.com