India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Gujarat

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 18.04.1992

Pin code: 360575

Status: Active

PO Name: Porbandar

Description: Porbandar is a coastal city in Gujarat, renowned for the iconic Kirti Mandir, a historic monument and museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, who was born there. The Gandhi family's ancestral house, now part of the Kirti Mandir complex, is situated next to it. This original three-storey mansion was acquired by Gandhi's great-grandfather, Harjivan Raidas Gandhi, in the 1700s, with additional floors being added later. The Gandhi family was a joint family, with members holding high-ranking positions such as the Dewan (prime minister) under the Rajput rulers of the Porbandar princely state. In 1944, after Gandhi's final release from the Aga Khan Palace, the residents of Porbandar decided to build a memorial at his birthplace. 

The house was purchased from the Gandhi family living there at the time, with Gandhi giving his written consent, and the registration papers are now displayed in the Kirti Mandir complex. The foundation stone was laid by Darbar Gopaldas Desai in 1947, during Gandhi's lifetime. The funds for the house and museum were donated by Nanjibahi K. Mehta. The memorial, completed in 1950 and inaugurated by Sardar Patel on May 27, 1950, was handed over to the Indian government. The 79-foot-tall structure, symbolizing Gandhi's 79 years of life, incorporates architectural elements from Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi temples, as well as churches and mosques. India Post, Gujarat Circle, has issued three PPCs featuring the Kirti Mandir at different times.