The Postal Service dedicated its new Diwali stamp on Oct. 21 at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC.
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is recognized by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and other South Asian religious communities.
“Since 1893, the Postal Service has issued stamps commemorating the cultures of people who have come from around the world,” said Shibani Gambhir, USPS revenue operations senior vice president, who served as the dedicating official. “These stamps reflect our nation’s rich, diverse heritage — and we are proud of our efforts to recognize the people, customs and traditions that shape America.”
Joining Gambhir for the ceremony were Vinay Kwatra, India’s ambassador to the United States, and Houston-based artist Sangita Bhutada, who created the stamp artwork.
The stamp depicts a colorful rangoli, a traditional Indian artform featuring floral imagery and geometric shapes. During the holiday, it is customary for people to create rangolis in and around their homes as they are thought to bring good fortune.
Jennifer Arnold designed the stamp and William Gicker served as the project’s art director. Bijay Dixit was the photographer. It is the second Diwali stamp design since the first was introduced in 2016.
On the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the eve of — or on — the new moon that occurs between mid-October and mid-November. This year, the five-day festival begins Nov. 6.
The stamp is available in sheets of 20 at Post Offices and at usps.com.
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