By Mewati Sitaram
India Post, Maharashtra Circle, has successfully celebrated the second season of the much-anticipated “Patra Utsav 2.0”; Mumbai Letter Fest, a one-of-a-kind initiative aimed at reviving the timeless tradition of handwritten letters. The event took place on 17th December, 2024 at the main Delivery Hall of Mumbai GPO, where a vibrant atmosphere filled with nostalgia and creativity took center stage.
The festival offered an array of engaging activities that captivated the attendees, with a special focus on the art of letter writing. Among the highlights were the Letter Writing activity, a calligraphy workshop conducted by the esteemed Achyut Palav School of Calligraphy, and several notable releases. These included the unveiling of a special cancellation on Patra Utsav 2024, a unique slogan cancellation, and the debut of the official mascot “Shekaru” for MAHAPEX 2025, alongside a booklet dedicated to the mascot.
The event was graced by a distinguished list of dignitaries, including Padmashri Madhu Mangesh Karnik, the renowned Marathi literary activist, Ms. Manju Kumar, Member (Operations) of India Post, Shri Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the acclaimed filmmaker, Shri Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General of Maharashtra Circle, Ms. Suchita Joshi, Postmaster General of Mumbai Region, Shri Abhijeet Bansode, Director of Postal Services (HQ), and Dr. Ajinkya Kale, Director of Postal Services, Mumbai Region.
An exciting moment for the young participants came when almost 200 students from various schools in Mumbai and its suburbs took part in a letter writing session. The theme of the session, “The Joy of Writing: Importance of Letters in the Digital Age,” provided students an opportunity to express their thoughts on the importance of handwritten letters in today’s world dominated by digital communication. Following the session, the students attended a brief yet enriching calligraphy workshop led by the teachers from the Achyut Palav School of Calligraphy.
The core aim of the festival was to rekindle the emotional and personal connection that handwritten letters provide. In a fast-paced digital world, India Post continues to inspire and remind the younger generation of the sentimental value, nostalgia, and artistry that come with the timeless practice of letter writing. By fostering this emotional bond, “Patra Utsav 2.0” helps highlight the beauty of handwritten correspondence, ensuring that this tradition is preserved and cherished for generations to come.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
