How can I get and use albums ?

How can I get and use albums ?

Albums are available at leading Book and Stationery stores   and   with   philatelists.   Pasting   stamps ruins them. Use paper hinges or "havids" to place them in a album. Plastic strip albums are now available and are ideal to use for beginners.  Handle  stamps   with  pincers to avoid smudging or damaging them in any way with your fingers.

Where can I get stamps ?

Where can I get stamps

Mint   stamps  are available at Philatelic Bureaux and Counters in the designated post   offices, details of which will be available at your nearest Head Post Office. You may   like to get. in touch with local philatelists who   can   perhaps   guide   your   interest.   Make  pen - friends  both in the country and abroad -you will  be surprised at the number of people who share your interest.

How do I collect used stamps ?

How do I collect used stamps ?

Do not  throw away letters that you receive. You can collect used up stamps through them. These can be detached delicately from the postal articles.   Rinse   in   a   shallow dish of water, using your hands or a soft brush.   Carefully   dry   them  in a dark place as  the ultra violet rays of sunlight can damage the colours.  It is also   valuable   to   retain  stamps   along with the envelopes on which they are pasted as this authenticates their use.

Types of Stamps

Types of Stamps

There   are   commemorative     and  definitive stamps. Commemorative stamps are issued, as the name suggests,    to commemorate important events, prominent  personalities in various fields, aspects of nature, beautiful  or    rare flora and fauna, environmental issues, agricultural activities, national/international issues, games   etc.   These   stamps   are   only available at Philatelic Bureaux and counters or under the Philatelic Deposit  Account  Scheme. They  are    printed in limited quantities.      Definitive  stamps on the other hand, are   used   for   day - to -  day  postal  mailing    purposes and are available in various ascending denominations from 20 paisa onwards at all postal counters.

What can I collect stamps ?

Both  mint -  stamps  (unused  stamps)  and   used   stamps   can be collected. These can be  collected year-wise   , nation-wise   or    theme-wise. To make this easier and more attractive to beginners, philatelists generally  advise  you  to  collect  stamps  according   to  a   selection  of   your   choice   called a  Thematic Collection. Themes may be flowers,   birds,   animals,   architecture, railways, monuments, Red Cross etc... Definitive stamps  and   stationery   can   also be collected as a theme. The bottom line is that the collection unfolds various aspects of a theme like a story.

what is Philately?

What makes Philately a special hobby for me ?

Philately is a delightful hobby that sharpens   and satisfies your aesthetic tastes. While  expanding   your knowledge of and interaction with the world you live in, you get to know interesting details of politics, history , prominent personalities, national and international events, geography, flora and fauna, agriculture, science, monuments,  soldiers,     warriors, scientists,  arms  and ammunition, modes of transport etc. This  process of learning becomes   more   delightful   through    visuals and brief write-ups. In  addition, philately cultivates a meticulous and focused attention to detail. It also  helps   you  to   make friends across boundaries and age limits.