What is a postal cancellation ?
A postal cancellation was born on the same day as the first postage stamp. British Postal Department first introduced postage stamps as a “pre-paid” token. Sender had to affix it on a mail, and only then could it travel. When mail was received in a post-office its stamp had to be cancelled, or defaced so as to prevent its re-use. Thus we had our first cancellation, which was a red-colored Maltese cross. However, its ink was washable, and it gave way to a black-colored cancellation, with a permanent ink.
Standard cancellations
Most standard cancellations now are circular with a date, and name of place (and a pin code) on them. We also call these postmarks. Some of them could also have non-written portions (in form of wavy lines, dots, or another design) which is called “obliteration”. Traditionally applied with a heavy metallic hand-stamp, these also evolved as machine marked. In India, Postal Stores Forms & Seals, Department of Posts, at Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, centrally designs all the standard and permanent seals.
Special Cancellations
More recently, we started having “special cancellations”. These have a pictorial design, brought out for a special date. Postal circles issue them to mark a particular event or a day. India post also issues First-day cancellations, which are also special. These are issued to mark release of a particular stamp. Getting a letter to travel, with a special or a first-day cancellation is a feat, many philatelists aim to achieve.
International Day of Yoga cancellations
In 2014, the United Nations adopted the International day of Yoga (IDY). The first IDY was observed on 21st June 2015. The year 2026 marks 12th IDY. The following is a gallery of Yoga themed special cancellations (from my collection) issued by India-Post; the number continues to grow with each passing year.
Special Cancellation gallery
