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 Celebrating India and Oman’s Friendship

Celebrating India and Oman’s Friendship

Complete set of 2 nos. of postage stamps on the Joint Issue of India and Oman : Folk Dances : Dandiya Raas (India) and Al Razha (Oman) :

डांडिया रासOmani traditional artsIndia-Oman Joint StampIssued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to commemorate India and Oman Friendship through the Joint Issue of Commemorative Postage Stamp and celebrates the warmth, goodwill and friendship between the two nations.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Mrs. Soni Budhia & Mr. Brahm Prakash
Cancellation Cachet : Mrs. Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature SheetMint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 & 2500 Paise

Souvenir Sheet Price : 5000 Paise

Souvenir Sheet Printed : 1,11,500

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

  • India and Oman are linked by geography, history, and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations. While people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back to 5000 years, diplomatic relations were established in 1955, which got upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2008. After that, the political engagement between the two countries has taken on a more strategic shape.
  • As a mark of this special friendship, India has extended an invitation to the Sultanate of Oman to participate as a guest country during India’s Presidency of the Group of 20 nations (G-20). This is a symbol of the time-tested friendship between India and Oman and opens up new possibilities for deepening cooperation between the two countries.
  • To commemorate the long historic friendship and cultural similarities between India and Oman, India Post and Oman Post agreed to the issuance of India-Oman Joint Stamp. An MOU in this regard was signed by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India and Oman Post on 21 March 2022. The two sides agreed on the theme of traditional dance forms of India and Oman for this joint stamp issue.
  • The artwork for the joint stamp has been created by Mrs. Soni Budhia, an Indian artist living in Oman over the past 12 years. The artwork showcases the traditional dance forms of India and Oman and the iconic architectural symbols of both countries. The Indian image is showcased with Hawa Mahal, a well-known landmark from the city of Jaipur, while the Omani image is showcased on the backdrop with the iconic Fort Nizwa, which is one of the most identifiable landmarks of Oman.
  • The launch of IndiaOman Joint Stamp marks a historic milestone in the long-standing relationship between India and Oman and will be cherished by both philatelists and art enthusiasts in both countries.
  • Dandiya Raas is a popular folk dance from the state of Gujarat in India. Dandiya Raas is a rhythmic dance performed by young people moving around in a circle in measured steps to the beat of dandiya or sticks that they carry in their hands. The rhythm is maintained by the clacking sticks, with clapping hands keeping pace. The Dandiya Raas is performed with traditional songs and folk tunes to the beat of the dhol and the wind instrument Shehnai. It is associated with the autumn festival of Navaratri.
  • As precious gems rooted deep in Omani heritage, various folk arts are passed from generation to the next in the Sultanate of Oman. They are living manifestations of the nation’s values, norms and behaviors that Omanis so proudly exhibit and celebrate in breathtaking spectacles brimming with national pride.
  • A key component of Oman’s artistic heritage is Al Razha, an ancient folk art widely known across the Sultanate. It is a choreographed duel between two fighters, called Zavenin, armed with swords and shields and accompanied by passages recited by great poets.
  • This magnificent performance is considered an artistic display of people’s celebration and happiness. It was primarily used as a call to arms, a declaration of victory or was a form of traditional celebration and entertainment during holidays and gatherings.
  • Al Razha is performed in various styles depending on the performers’ movements, the rhythm and tempo and the subject of accompanying poems. Main styles of this traditional artform include Himbel, Qusafi and Lal Al Oud.
  • Text : Referenced from content provided by Ministry of External Affairs.
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