India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Karnataka

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 28.01.1992

Pin code: 571433

Status: Active

PO Name: Kokkare Bellur

Description: Kokkare Bellur is a village in Maddur Taluk of Mandya district, 100 km from Bengaluru in Karnataka. The village is named after the Painted Stork, which is called "Kokkare" in Kannada language. The village got its name Bellur as well as the nickname Kokkare and it became a natural bird sanctuary. For the last 100 years, this village has been known for the sanctuary of these birds. This place is very special for bird lovers. It is home to many exotic species of birds, prominent among which are Painted Stork and Pelican. These birds come here from different parts of the world, their arrival starts from the Sankranti festival in mid-January every year when Pelicans (Hejjarale) and White Birds (Belakki) settle on trees like Tamarind and Goblin in this village. After hatching, the eggs return to their homeland before July during the rainy season. Unlike other wildlife sanctuaries, this sanctuary has no boundary walls, checkposts or entry tickets. It is a roadside village. But this is no ordinary village. 

The nature-loving villagers here have great respect for these birds. There is a long-standing relationship between the birds and the villagers, who have adopted this bird as their heritage, as they consider the birds to be the harbingers of good luck and prosperity for the village. The benefits that the villagers get from these birds are basically in the form of phosphorus and potassium-rich manure obtained from the birds' faeces. The village has large agricultural areas, with sugarcane being a major crop. They have taken all precautionary measures to prevent the birds from getting disturbed and moving away from their beloved habitat. The birds here are not in dozens but in thousands. People here do not celebrate Diwali because bursting crackers and lighting diyas can disturb these birds. Hundreds of painted storks and pelicans are always seen on the trees here. This small village, friendly people and amazingly beautiful birds are the special features of this bird sanctuary. India Post Karnataka Circle issued this PPC on the arrival of birds in January.