Laos releases world's first-ever stamp depicting Ayodhya's Ram Lalla: How Hinduism continues to exert enormous influence on Southeast Asia

Lao PDR has released a postage stamp showcasing Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya, becoming the first nation globally to feature this revered deity on a stamp. India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, and Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Saleumxay Kommasith, jointly unveiled the special commemorative postage stamp set during a ceremony in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Launched a… pic.twitter.com/XB02tPpJ80 — Dr. S. Jaishankar July 27, 2024 The stamp set includes two distinct stamps: one featuring Lord Buddha of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos and a significant Buddhist site, and the other depicting Lord Shri Ram of Ayodhya. Underscoring the shared cultural heritage that spans the Southeast Asian region for millennia and deepening ties between India and Laos, the Archaeological Survey of India commenced the restoration of the fifth-century Wat Phou Hindu Temple, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thailand issued stamps that depicted scenes from Hindu epic Ramayana In 2005 it issued a set of 4 stamps that depicted Rama meeting Sita, Ravana, Hanumaan and Ram fighting Ravana.