The World’s longest stamp in Sri Lanka

The World’s longest stamp is unveiled on August 20, 2024 by the Sri Lanka’s Postal Department. It revealed a new commemorative stamp marking the famous Sri Dalada Perahera festival in Kandy. This stamp is now officially the longest in the world, measuring an impressive 205 mm (8.07 inch).

The stamp, valued at Rs. 500, was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe by the Senior Deputy Postmaster. This special stamp highlights the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Sri Lanka.

The World’s longest stamp (previous records)

• The Philippine Postal Corporation issued the longest stamp in the world on June 12, 2024. Measuring 200 mm x 39 mm, the stamp is titled “Philippines: First Republic in Asia.” It depicts the nation’s journey to independence, celebrating the historic proclamation of Philippine Independence.
• Previously, on January 30, 2023, Kyrgyz Express Post released a stamp measuring 184 mm (7.2 inches), and its height and width are 184 x 27.5 mm. Titled “International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development,” the stamp features a panoramic view of Kyrgyzstan’s Chaar-Tash mountain range and commemorates the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development.
• In 2017, Thailand Post issued a sheet of five stamps that, combined, measure 170 mm in length. This set was released to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession of the late King Rama IX to the throne.
• In 2011, the Sri Lanka Postal Department issued a Rs 45 stamp featuring the Viceroy locomotive, measuring 175 mm. This stamp was created to recognize the contributions of the ‘Viceroy Special’ and to promote tourism.

Sri Dalada Perahera (in nutshell)

The Sri Dalada Perahera, also known as the Kandy Esala Perahera or the Festival of the Tooth, is a grand annual festival held in Kandy during July and August. This historic procession honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which is housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth.

The origins of the Dalada Perahera trace back to the 4th century CE when the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India. This festival marks that significant event and has become a central part of Sri Lankan culture.

The celebration begins with a ritual called Kap Situveema. During this ceremony, a young jack fruit tree is cut and planted at each of the four Devales, which are dedicated to the guardian gods Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama, and the goddess Pattini. This marks the start of the Perahera.

The main procession features traditional local dances, including fire dances and performances with whip-dance garments. The festival concludes with the Diya-kepeema, a water cutting ceremony performed at the Mahaweli River in Getambe, Kandy.