What is a Pigeongram?
A Pigeongram is a fun and creative message sent by a pigeon.
It adds a modern, often personalized twist to the age-old Pigeon Post system.
Think of it as a novelty letter—with charm, nostalgia, and a bit of history in flight.
A Pigeongram Flies Across Odisha
On April 14, 2018, something special took place in Odisha, India.
A Pigeongram was sent from OUAT Grounds, Bhubaneswar, to the Odisha Police Loft in Cuttack.
The date marked Maha Bishuba Sankranti, also known as Odia New Year’s Day.
The messenger? A Belgian Homer Pigeon.
Flight time? Just 30 minutes!
The pigeongram had:
The signatures of the sender and the receiver
A pictorial cancellation to mark the festival
It was a perfect blend of tradition and creativity.
The Legacy of Pigeon Post in Odisha
Odisha has a rich history with the Pigeon Post.
The Odisha Police once ran regular pigeon services in: Cuttack, Chatrapur, Kendrapara, Sambalpur and Dhenkanal.
These pigeons were lifesavers during:
- Natural disasters
- Emergency communication breakdowns
In 1954, during the Indian Postal Service centenary, these pigeons delivered a message from the President of India to the Prime Minister—a proud moment in Pigeon Post history.
The End of Daily Flights (But Not the End)
The world’s last official Pigeon Post service ended on March 31, 2008, in Cuttack.
But the story doesn’t stop there.
Today, around 150 pigeons are still cared for.
They live at:
- Cuttack Police Loft
- Police Training College in Angul
They’re now used for ceremonial duties and public events.
Why Pigeongrams Still Matter
A Pigeongram isn’t just a message—it’s a tribute.
It honors the forgotten art of Pigeon Post.
It reminds us that even in a digital world, heritage can still take flight.
