India Post released two new souvenir sheets under the Arunachal Pradesh Commemorative Postage Stamp Series on 17 July 2026. The issues focus on two very different aspects of the state — its traditional agricultural products and its exceptional biodiversity.
The stamps were released by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at Niti Vihar. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, senior officials of the Department of Posts and other dignitaries attended the programme.
Veteran stamp designer Sankha Samanta designed the stamps and associated philatelic material.
Two Souvenir Sheets, Twelve Stamps
The issue consists of two separate souvenir sheets, each containing six ₹5 stamps.
The first sheet is devoted to Geographical Indications: Agriculture–Horticulture of Arunachal Pradesh. The second presents the Flora–Fauna of Arunachal Pradesh.
This gives the complete release 12 different stamps, with a total face value of ₹60.
According to the official India Post brochures, each souvenir sheet has a denomination of ₹30, with six stamps of ₹5 each. The sheets were printed by the Security Printing Press, Hyderabad, using the wet-offset process. The declared print quantity is 212,000 souvenir sheets of each issue.
Souvenir Sheet 1: Geographical Indications of Arunachal Pradesh
The first souvenir sheet documents six products associated with the agriculture, food traditions and indigenous knowledge of Arunachal Pradesh.
The six subjects are:
- Arunachal Orange — GI No. 375
- Khaw Tai — GI No. 803
- Yak Churpi — GI No. 809
- Adi Kekir — GI No. 855
- Singpho Phalap — GI No. 935
- Marua Apo — GI No. 1069
The selection is particularly interesting from a philatelic point of view because the stamps are not simply illustrations of food products. They document products that have acquired formal Geographical Indication status.
Arunachal Orange represents the state’s horticultural produce. Khaw Tai, also known as Khamti Rice, is linked with the Khampti community of Namsai district. Yak Churpi represents the traditional fermented dairy culture of the high-altitude areas of Tawang and West Kameng.
Adi Kekir is a traditional ginger variety. Singpho Phalap represents the traditional smoked tea culture of the Singpho community. Marua Apo is a traditional fermented beverage prepared from finger millet.
Together, the six stamps create a compact philatelic record of agriculture, indigenous food practices and regional identity.
Souvenir Sheet 2: Flora and Fauna of Arunachal Pradesh
The second souvenir sheet moves from cultivated heritage to natural heritage.
It features one flowering plant, two birds and three mammals associated with the forests and mountains of Arunachal Pradesh:
- Foxtail Orchid
- Great Hornbill
- Red Panda
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Clouded Leopard
- Mishmi Takin
The choice of species gives the sheet a strong wildlife and conservation character.
The Foxtail Orchid is the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh. The Hoolock Gibbon is especially significant because it is India’s only ape and is also recognised as the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Great Hornbill represents the rich birdlife of the eastern Himalayan forests. The Red Panda, Clouded Leopard and Mishmi Takin represent some of the state’s better-known but vulnerable mountain and forest mammals.
Rather than presenting wildlife in isolation, the sheet places these species within the larger visual landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. The souvenir sheet border continues the forest theme and makes the six individual stamps work as one composition.
Closing Notes
These two sheets are more interesting as a pair than as isolated issues.
One documents the state’s GI-tagged products and traditional knowledge. The other records its flora, fauna and Himalayan biodiversity. Together they create a broader postal portrait of Arunachal Pradesh.
For thematic collectors, the issues also cross several collecting fields: GI products, agriculture, food, tea, traditional beverages, orchids, birds, mammals, wildlife conservation, Himalayas and Arunachal Pradesh postal history.
With twelve different designs, coordinated souvenir sheets, First Day Covers and pictorial cancellations, the release is one of the more substantial state-focused commemorative stamp issues of India Post in 2026.
Which of the two souvenir sheets do you find more interesting — GI Products or Flora & Fauna? Share your choice in the comments.
You can also explore my complete India 2026 Stamp Issues page for all commemorative stamps, souvenir sheets and related philatelic releases issued during the year: View All India Stamps of 2026.
