Philately or the Stamps collection is considered as the King of Hobbies and it is a Global Hobby. It includes the art collecting stamps and preserving the same besides studying it and studying other things through it. People from all walks of life derive pleasure from this pastime.

Besides being beautiful works of art, stamps are repositories of knowledge. It helps in winding the horizon of knowledge, irrespective of whether it relates to art, history, geography or science and technology. It brings in the life of the philatelist.

This hobby started shortly after the issue of the First postage stamp of the world "Penny Black" on 6th May 1840. Now there are an estimated 30 crores of people in about 145 countries ,engaged in the hobby. Stamp clubs are functioning in almost all major towns and cities, majority of them under the patronage of the International Organisation, "Federation Internationale de Philately". Philatelic exhibitions are held at District, Zonal, State and National levels regularly.

The hobby is initiated, when one starts collecting stamps, issued for general postal use, under the authority of a recognised Government. Stamps received through any source, viz., affixed on letters received through mail from friends / pen friends, from dealers by purchase and directly from post offices. Both used (affixed on a letter and cancelled by the post office) but not damaged and unused(mint) stamps may be collected. Stamp collection is generally made on the basis of the country of issue period of ussue or theme covered by the stamp, depending on the interest of the collector.

Preserving and arranging of stamps is also very important. Once done carefully, it becomes a beautiful piece for enjoyment. Then comes the study of Stamp. These stamps open floodgates of knowledge when studied keenly. It prompts you to study more on subjects covered by it.