‘TIRUPEX 2026’ releases special postal covers celebrating Tirumala’s heritage

India Post unveiled special postal covers highlighting iconic sites within the sacred hill town of Tirumala during the opening day of TIRUPEX-2026, a district-level philatelic exhibition held in Tirupati on Wednesday. The covers feature landmarks including Ananda Nilayam, Srivari Padalu, Japali Theertham, and Akasa Ganga Theertham, locations revered for their spiritual significance among devotees visiting the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The release ceremony was attended by key officials, including TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, TUDA Chairman C. Divakar Reddy, and Post Master General (Kurnool region) Vennam Upender, who marked the beginning of the three-day event at Gollavanigunta. The postal covers aim to promote both philately and the cultural heritage associated with Tirumala. According to Chowdary, philately extends beyond stamp collecting, it serves as a medium to understand a nation's history, traditions, and values. He praised India Post for its initiative to showcase the unique water spots known as Theerthams on the hilltops through these specially designed covers, emphasizing the importance of preserving and sharing such heritage with younger generations. Reddy expressed his willingness to sponsor the cover dedicated to Japali Theertham, one of the most spiritually significant bathing spots in the area. Upender encouraged young people to engage with philately as a meaningful hobby that could provide respite from the pressures of academic life. He also highlighted the diverse range of postal services available to the public, urging citizens to explore and utilize them. The event included an awareness program aimed at educating students about the significance of philately, drawing substantial participation from local youth. Officials such as Director of Postal Services (Kurnool region) M. Sudhakar Mallya and Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (Tirupati) Major Syeda Tanveer were present to support the outreach efforts. TIRUPEX-2026 commenced with vibrant displays and interactive sessions, offering attendees a chance to learn about the historical and cultural aspects of philately while engaging with rare and commemorative stamps. The exhibition space, located at S.R. Function Hall on Oil Mill Road in Gollavanigunta, has been set up to accommodate visitors throughout the duration of the event. Activities include demonstrations on stamp design, exhibitions of rare collections, and workshops aimed at fostering interest in the hobby among new enthusiasts. The exhibition is being hosted in collaboration between the Tirupati Urban Development Authority, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, and India Post. These organizations have worked together to ensure that the event not only showcases philatelic artistry but also promotes the rich cultural and religious legacy of the region. Local authorities have emphasized the role of such events in strengthening community engagement and preserving traditional practices. As the event continues into its second day, organizers expect increased footfall and greater interaction among participants. The exhibition will remain open until Thursday evening, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore the exhibits, collect special edition stamps, and gain deeper insight into the world of philately. The presence of notable figures and active involvement from the youth signal a growing appreciation for this niche yet culturally significant field.