Postal Special Covers Released on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2025
Hyderabad: The Department of Posts, Telangana Circle, on Friday released two Special Postal Covers to mark Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2025, observed annually on November 15 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. This year’s observance also marks the conclusion of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations and the 5th edition of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, instituted by the Government of India.
The release ceremony was held at Shanthi Auditorium, Dak Sadan, Abids, Hyderabad, in the presence of Sri Jatothu Hussain, Hon’ble Member, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes; Ms. Manisha Sinha, Member (Financial Services), Postal Services Board; Dr. Veena Kumari Dermal, Chief Postmaster General, Telangana Circle; along with senior India Post officials, staff and members of tribal communities.
Special Cover: Tribal Dances of Telangana
The first Special Cover pays tribute to Telangana’s rich tribal dance heritage—an integral expression of community identity, spirituality and celebration.
The cover showcases major indigenous dance forms including Lambada/Banjara, Gussadi (Gond), Aatapatas (Koyas), Kalapath (Andhs), Chenchu dance, and Kolatam (Kondareddi).
These dances are traditionally performed to rhythmic instruments such as Dapda, Nangara, Rabab, Pepri and Dhol, reflecting the vibrant cultural diversity of the state’s tribal communities.
The Tribal Cultural Research & Training Institute (TCR&TI), Hyderabad, has contributed significantly to documenting and preserving these traditions through extensive research and audio-visual archives.
Special Cover: Musical Instruments of Telangana Tribes
The second Special Cover focuses on the musical heritage of tribal groups spread across districts including Adilabad, Mancherial, Asifabad and Nirmal. These communities craft unique instruments using natural materials like wood, bamboo, clay, gourds and animal hide.
The instruments featured fall under three categories:
String Instruments: Tui Tuina, Kinnar (Jathur), Kirkri, Parra, Pepri
Percussion Instruments: Dappu, Dhol, Thudum, Vette, Nangara, Gajjelu, Thalalu, Thali
Wind Instruments: Kalikom, Pepri, Sannayee, Voodara Govi (flute), Venuvu, Harmoniyam (Peti)
Government initiatives such as the National Tribal Repository and Adi Kalakar programmes are aiding efforts to preserve and promote these traditional art forms. India Post’s Special Cover aims to further highlight and immortalize this cultural legacy.
Philatelic Details
- Each Special Cover—Tribal Dances of Telangana and Musical Instruments of Telangana Tribes—is priced at ₹25 (with Special Cancellation) and ₹20 (without Cancellation).
- An information brochure accompanies each cover.
- They will be available at all Philatelic Bureaus across Telangana and online at epostoffice.gov.in.
Through these Special Covers, the Telangana Postal Circle honours the cultural heritage, artistic excellence and resilient spirit of Telangana’s tribal communities, reaffirming India Post’s commitment to preserving the nation’s diverse tribal traditions.
