Postmark of Kempe Gowda tower released

A special cover with the pictorial cancellation (postmark) of Kempe Gowda Tower (Lalbagh Rock) was released on Tuesday at the General Post Office.

A cancellation in simple terms refers to a postmark in different designs, shapes, colours and sizes that are imprinted on a postage stamp so that it will not be re-used again.

Pictorial cancellations are designed artistically to highlight the importance of a historic site, a tourist centre, architecture value of tourist places or even a philately exhibition carrying national or international importance.

The Kempe Gowda tower will be made as the permanent cancellation at Basavanagudi Head Post Office. The special postal cover bearing the cancellation has been priced at Rs 10.

“It is a proud moment for us and we are planning to release more such pictorial cancellations with interesting places in the City in the coming days,” Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Postal Circle, Hilda Abraham said.

 In order to attract stamp collectors, thematic packs featuring different themes such as historical buildings, games, flora and fauna, great personalities have been brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle. In addition, a pictorial cancellation pack comprising postcards with the pictures of places representing various tourists spots such as Shravanabelagola (Hassan), Srirangapatna (Mandya), Chamundi HIlls (Mysore) among others were also released on Tuesday.

Around 150 special postal covers with the cancellation of Kempe Gowda Tower were sold within an hour of its release.

Jagannath Mani, a member of Karnataka Philatelic Society, purchased more than 30 newly released special covers.

“I am planning to send a few of them to my friends settled overseas. I have a collection of more than 3,000 special covers and stamps, mostly sports related themes. I am excited to see the Kempegowda Tower being made the permanent cancellation at Basavangudi head post office,” he said.

 The thematic packs and pictorial cancellation packs have been put up for sale at Philatelic Bureau in the GPO and will be made available to the public till the stock gets over.