30-12-2017: INDIAN MIRROR WORK HAND FAN GUJARAT A commemorative postage stamp (Miniature Sheet)

Gujarat is well known for the mirror work hand fans which are beautiful ethnic fans made of pure cotton and embellished with mirrorwork to produce elaborate designs. Beads and Mirror hand fans are now used as wall decoration. The origin of hand fans can be traced as far back as 4000 years ago in Egypt. The fan was seen as a sacred instrument used in religious ceremonies and was also seen as a symbol of power even in its early forms. The history of Indian Hand Fans is traced to ancient times for use in temples to fan deities, as well as in royal courts and households. The Indian Posts Department released commemorative postage Stamps (Miniature sheets) on the following 16 Indian Hand Fans.