Dhai Akhar 2026-27: National Level Letter Writing Competition ✉️

Every year, India Post organizes the Dhai Akhar National Level Letter Writing Competition to celebrate the timeless charm of handwritten letters. For the year 2026–27, the competition will run from 1st August 2026 to 31st October 2026 with an inspiring theme:

“A Letter to Mother Earth: My Promise to Protect Nature”

This initiative not only promotes creative expression but also revives the joy of traditional letter writing in an increasingly digital world.

Background of Dhai Akhar ✍️

Launched by India Post, the competition is named after the famous phrase “Dhai Akhar Prem Ka” from Sant Kabir’s couplets, symbolizing the simplicity and depth of written words. Each year, thousands of participants across the country take part, making it one of the most loved literary competitions in India.

Categories of Participation

Entries are divided into two main age groups with further categories:

1. Up to 18 years
   • Inland Letter Card Category – 500 words
   • Envelope Category – 1000 words
2. Above 18 years
   • Inland Letter Card Category – 500 words
   • Envelope Category – 1000 words

🔹 Letters can be written in English, Hindi, or any Vernacular language.

Exciting Prizes 💰

Circle Level Prizes

• First Prize – ₹25,000
• Second Prize – ₹10,000
• Third Prize – ₹5,000

National Level Prizes

• First Prize – ₹50,000
• Second Prize – ₹25,000
• Third Prize – ₹10,000

Winners at the circle level move forward to compete at the national stage.

Important Dates

• Competition Period: 01.08.2026 – 31.10.2026
• Last Date for Posting Entries: 31.10.2026

Result Declaration:

• Circle Level: To be notified
• National Level: To be notified

How to Participate

• Eligibility: Any citizen of India may participate. There is no prescribed minimum or maximum age. Participants must enter the category applicable to their age.
• Choose a category: The competition has four categories:
  • Up to 18 years — Inland Letter Card
  • Up to 18 years — Envelope
  • Above 18 years — Inland Letter Card
  • Above 18 years — Envelope
• Write by hand: Entries must be handwritten. Typed or printed letters will not be accepted.
• Follow the word limit:
  • Inland Letter Card: not more than 500 words
  • Envelope category on plain A4-size paper: not more than 1,000 words
• Use permitted stationery: Participants may use an Inland Letter Card or plain A4-size paper placed inside an embossed envelope or an envelope carrying the required postage.
• Mark Your Entry Clearly – On the envelope or ILC, write “Entry for Dhai Akhar 2026–27” so it can be easily identified.
• Languages Allowed – You can write in English, Hindi, or any Vernacular language.
• Add the age declaration: The letter must contain an age declaration such as:
  • “I certify that I am below/above the age of 18 as on 01/01/2026.”
• Address the letter correctly: The entry should be addressed to the Chief Postmaster General of the concerned Postal Circle. Participants should consult their Circle’s official notification for the complete postal address and any additional labelling instructions.
• Post it within the competition period: Entries must be posted between 1 August and 31 October 2026. Letters posted after 31 October 2026 will not be accepted.
• Institutional exception: Entries collected directly from schools, colleges, or institutions by the concerned postal division may qualify for exemption from affixing postage stamps.
• For queries, participants can reach out via email at director.philately@gov.in

Closing Thoughts

The 2026–27 theme, “A Letter to Mother Earth: My Promise to Protect Nature,” encourages participants to move beyond general praise for nature and make a meaningful personal commitment. A strong letter may combine emotion, original observation, environmental awareness, and realistic actions such as conserving water, reducing waste, avoiding single-use plastic, planting and caring for trees, protecting wildlife, or encouraging responsible community behaviour.

Since the competition evaluates writing quality, originality, and self-expression, participants should avoid copying model letters. The final entry should reflect the writer’s own experiences, concerns, and promises to Mother Earth.

👉 Will you be writing your letter this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!