New USPS Diwali stamp honors 'traditional autumn festival'

The US Postal Service has issued a new "traditional Autumn festival" Forever stamp marking Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, unveiling it at the Embassy of India in Washington.

Shibani Gambhir, the USPS senior vice president who dedicated the stamp, said the agency has honored the cultures of immigrant communities through stamps since 1893, describing them as reflecting “the rich and multifaceted heritage of America.”

The design features a rangoli, a colorful floor pattern associated with the festival, created by Houston-area artist Sangita Bhutada. She spent eight to 10 days building an 8-foot version from colored sand and powder so it could be photographed in high resolution, then set against a purple background.

Diwali, observed over five days by Hindus as well as Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, falls on Nov. 8 this year. It is the second Diwali stamp from USPS, following one issued in 2016. The stamps are sold in panes of 20.