Pune News : Wanowrie’s Mahadji Shinde Chhatri honoured with special postal stamp 

During a ceremony organised by the Government of India’s Department of Post at the Balgandharva Art Gallery, Pune’s renowned landmarks, Poona Guest House and Shinde Chhatri, Blades of Glory museum were bestowed with special postal covers as a mark of honour.

Maharashtra Postal Circle recently shared the exciting moments from the valedictory ceremony of PUNEPEX 2023. During the event, Ramchandra Jayabhaye, PMG, Pune Region, unveiled two remarkable special covers showcasing the beautiful landmarks of ‘Shinde Chhatri, Pune’ and ‘Poona Guest House’. This announcement was made on X (formerly Twitter).

The presence of notable individuals was observed during the unveiling ceremony, which included Vikas Dhakane, the Additional Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Arjun Deore, the Regional Passport Officer of Pune, Simran Kaur, the Director of Postal Services in Pune Region, Yashwant Bhosale, the Manager of Shinde Chhatri, Kishore Sarpotdar, the Director of Poona Guest House, and various other esteemed guests.

In another post, Maharashtra Postal Circle expressed their appreciation to all the distinguished guests for their attendance and assistance, emphasising that the event was a remarkable triumph that captured the essence of cultural opulence and historical importance. They also encouraged everyone to treasure these special covers as valuable mementos representing Pune’s rich heritage.

Founded in 1935 by Nana Sarpotdar, a multifaceted individual involved in the production, acting, directing, and writing of silent movies, Poona Guest House initially aimed to provide accommodation for the staff working in his movies and film studio. In the subsequent year, it further extended its offerings by introducing a lodging facility specifically tailored to cater to the needs of film personalities. Poona Guest House is widely recognised for its delectable Maharashtrian cuisine, with its menu boasting special dishes such as Bajirao Chiwda and Mastani Misal.

Shinde Chhatri, built in the 18th century, serves as the final resting place of Maratha leader Mahadji Shinde. It is situated in Wanwadi and is managed by the Scindia Devasthan Charitable Trust of Gwalior. This site is renowned for its intricate wall carvings and a magnificent iron gate. Unlike traditional Peshwa structures, the architecture of Shinde Chhatri showcases a blend of Rajasthani and Anglo styles. Recent restoration efforts have focused on addressing issues such as roof deterioration, moss accumulation on stones, overgrowth, and the appearance of cracks in the walls. These endeavours aim to preserve the historical significance and structural integrity of this remarkable site.

While talking to Pune Pulse, Yashwant Bhosale, added, ‘At Balgandharva Art Gallery two exquisite special covers featuring Shinde Chhatri and Poona Guest house were unveiled.”