30-12-2017: PALM LEAF HAND FAN BENGAL A commemorative postage stamp (Miniature Sheet)

Palm Leaf Hand Fan, West Bengal is famous for its hand fans made of Palm Leaf. It is a traditional Bengali hand fan also known as Tal-Patar Pankha. These light-weight hand fans are easy to carry and are a permanent article of possession of a household. The origin of hand fans can be traced as far back as 4000 years ago in Egypt. The fan was seen as a sacred instruments 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 also in royal courts and households. Department of Posts is releasing commemorative postage Stamps (Miniature Sheet) on the following 16 Indian Hand Fans.