Bongopex 2025 to Feature Special Covers on Bengal Icons; Picture Postcards on Football Legends to Be Released on Nov 16

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata — The West Bengal Circle of the Department of Posts is continuing its flagship State Level Philately Exhibition, Bongopex 2025, with a packed schedule of activities aimed at reviving the culture of philately among both seasoned collectors and younger enthusiasts. Returning after a six-year hiatus—the last edition, Ekla Cholo Re, was held in 2019—the event is underway from 14 to 17 November 2025 at the Science City Convention Centre.

The exhibition showcases an extensive range of stamps, thematic collections and interactive philatelic activities designed to highlight the depth and diversity of India’s postal heritage. Officials say the four-day event is curated to spark curiosity among students and first-time visitors while offering rich archival material for avid philatelists.

The third day of the exhibition, 16 November 2025, will feature one of the most anticipated programmes: a Special Cover and Picture Postcard Release ceremony. Two special covers will be released—one titled “Comedy Actors of Bengal”, honouring Tulsi Chakraborty, Santosh Dutta, Jahar Roy, Bhanu Bandyopadhyay and Rabi Ghosh; and another marking the birth centenary of renowned comic artist and illustrator Narayan Debnath, the creator of beloved characters such as Batul the Great and Handa Bhonda.

In addition, six sets of Picture Postcards on “Football Players of Bengal” will be unveiled, celebrating Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikary, Shibdas Bhaduri, Gostho Bihari Pal, Sailen Manna, P. K. Banerjee and Chuni Goswami—icons who shaped the region’s football legacy.

Eminent actor Paran Bandyopadhyay and celebrated footballer Bhaskar Ganguly will grace the event as special guests.