Portugal and India - Joint Issue 50th Anniversary of The Reestablishment of Diplomatic Relations

The 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and India is an important milestone in the longstanding ties binding the two nations, that date back to the 15th century.

A new phase of cooperation and mutual respect flourished, as both countries explore new avenues of collaboration, that include trade, culture, science and technology, ICTs, renewable energies, defence, tourism, or people to people contacts.

Frequent high level bilateral visits have further solidified the relation. The Indian diaspora in Portugal also played a significant role, serving as a bridge between the two countries.

Today a modern and dynamic relationship expands its ties to a multilateral dimension, where both countries join efforts to promote international law and humanrights and to tackle global challenges.

In this golden jubilee, Portugal and India reaffirm the commitment to further strengthening the partnership through innovation, sustainability, the shared values of democracy and a committed engagement with multilateralism. This is a moment to honour the past, to celebrate the present and aim for an even stronger future of friendship. These stamps, which we proudly issue during the State Visit to Portugal of Her Excellency the President of the Republic of India, Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, are a testimony to that long lasting friendship.

Traje à Vianesa
The Viana do Castelo style costume, an icon of Portuguese traditional dress, reflects a way of life shared by women from the rural villages around Viana do Castelo. This costume, today referred to generically as Traje à Vianesa, is the result of a cumulative process of fashions and traditions that several generations of Viana do Castelo farming women incorporated into their mode of dress.

Within the area, certain subtypes of Traje à Vianesa can be identified, which nevertheless follow a general line in the composition of the outfit. These subtypes can be divided into Afife, Carreço, Areosa, Freixieiro de Soutelo, Montaria e Amonde, Terras de Geraz and Santa Marta de Portuzelo, the last of these groups dictating the rules for the remaining parishes. The difference between each of these subtypes can be identified in some of their characteristic variants.

Traje à Vianesa is composed of a series of pieces, all hand-crafted, with the exception of the scarves worn on the head and across the chest, and the fabrics used to make the blouses, waistcoats, skirt linings and external pockets.
Each piece is fabricated using raw materials such as linen, wool, cotton and wool embroidery threads, glass beads, and sequins, as well as industrially-manufactured fabrics including cotton, linen, velvet, and cotton or wool flannel.

Artisanal know-how is essential in the manufacture of some of the most emblematic pieces, for example the skirts and aprons (woven on a manual loom), the embroidery (on the blouses, skirt trims, waistcoats and pockets), lace (on the stockings), the production of slippers, and even the fabrication/sewing of skirts and aprons, blouses, waistcoats and pockets. Traje à Vianesa is classified as a certified product.

Kalbeliya costume
The Kalbeliya costume is the traditional attire of the Kalbeliya tribe of Rajasthan, India, known for their vibrant dance and music. Women wear a Ghagra (long, flowing skirt) adorned with intricate embroidery, mirror work, and bright colors like black, red, and yellow. The Choli (blouse) is fitted and heavily decorated, often paired with a Odhani (veil or dupatta) draped over the head and shoulders. The costume is designed to enhance the graceful, swirling movements of the Kalbeliya dance.

Jewelry plays a significant role, with silver bangles, anklets, necklaces, and large earrings adding to the costume’s elegance. The ensemble reflects the community’s nomadic heritage, drawing inspiration from snake charmers, as the Kalbeliya people traditionally worked with snakes. The dress not only represents their cultural identity but also enhances the hypnotic, serpentine movements of their world-famous dance, which is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Portugal