The U.S. Postal Service commemorated the joyous Hindu fall festival of Diwali with a new Forever stamp at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. On the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the eve of, or on, the new moon that occurs between mid-October and mid-November. In 2026, the main day of the festival will be Nov. 8.
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the joyous holiday of Diwali with an image of a rangoli, a vibrant floor pattern traditionally made from materials such as colored rice powder, chalk, and flower petals. One of the most important annual Hindu events, usually observed over five days, the autumn festival marks the triumph of good over evil.
For Diwali — also known as Deepavali — people create rangolis in and around their homes. The intricate designs, which often feature floral imagery, geometric shapes, and religious iconography, are thought to bring good fortune. In addition to traditional materials, artists today use paints and sparkly adornments to bring their colorful creations to life.
The meaning of Diwali often depends on regional identity, but Hindu stories provide a framework for the significance of the festival. For many people in the north of India, the holiday honors the return of Rama, an incarnation or avatar of the god Vishnu, after a long period of exile. For some in the south of India, it marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Krishna, another incarnation of Vishnu.
Diwali is an important festival in several religions. Buddhists honor ancient Indian emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism. Jains commemorate the teacher Mahavira’s attainment of liberation from the cycle of life and death. Sikhs celebrate the freeing of Guru Hargobind from captivity.
This is the second Diwali stamp. The first one was issued in 2016.