Forever Stamps – Diwali Festival Edition

Diwali Forever Stamp (2016 Issue)

Value: 78¢ – First-Class Mail
Issue Date: October 5, 2016
First Day of Issue: New York, NY
Printed by: Ashton Potter Ltd.
Method: Offset Printing with Microprint

Diwali, one of Hinduism’s most cherished festivals, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Celebrated over five days between mid-October and November, its central celebration falls on the darkest night of the lunar calendar — the new moon.

The first two days are dedicated to cleaning and decorating homes, including the creation of rangoli — intricate floor patterns crafted from rice, sand, flowers, or powders, traditionally made to welcome good fortune.

The festival reaches its peak on the third day, Lakshmi Puja, often called the “festival of lights.” Millions of diyas (small oil lamps) glow in homes, rooftops are strung with lights, fireworks fill the night sky, and families gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and offer prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, believed to bless homes on this auspicious night.

Today, Diwali’s cultural reach extends far beyond India, with celebrations held around the world. The U.S. Postal Service honored this vibrant tradition with this Forever stamp, highlighting a festival that unites families and communities in the spirit of light, knowledge, and hope.