The US Postal Service will issue a stamp in honor of Diwali; See image | Today’s news
The US Postal Service unveiled a postage stamp in honor of, among other things, the holiday of Diwali. It will be released later this year.
The US Postal Service will issue a special Diwali stamp
The Diwali stamp features an intricate rangoli pattern curated by Houston-based artist Sangita Bhutada while photographed by Binay Dixit.
Several photos of the glowing postage stamp have surfaced on the Internet. It features colorful rangoli.
The USPS described rangoli as a vibrant floor pattern traditionally made from materials such as colored rice powder, chalk and flower petals. Rangoli is believed to bring good luck and is widely used to decorate homes during festivals like Diwali.
Who is Sangita Bhutada
According to the USPS, Bhutada is originally from India. He is a longtime resident of the Houston area who has been practicing the ancient folk art of rangoli for nearly 2 decades.
The stamp was designed by Jennifer Arnold and art director was William J Gicker. The Diwali stamp will be released in October 2026, according to the USPS.
“Among the most important holidays in the Hindu calendar, the annual autumn festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is usually observed for five days; in 2026, the main day of the festival will be November 8,” the USPS said.
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Diwali and politics in the US
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is now widely celebrated across America. In fact, it is also celebrated every year at the White House.
The tradition of celebrating Diwali was started in 2003 by President George W. Bush. Although he was unable to attend in person, his chief political adviser, Karl Rove, emceed the festivities, which were held at the Indian Treaty Hall. Rove opened the celebration by lighting a symbolic brass lamp and delivered President Bush’s personal greeting to the Indian American community. It was one of the historic moments in American politics.
In keeping with tradition, President Barack Obama became the first US president to celebrate Diwali in person. Lighting a diya in the ceremonial east room, he said: “While this is a time of joy, it is also a time of reflection as we remember those less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need.”
Read also | PM Modi welcomes recognition of Diwali as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
In 2016, President Obama, in another historic step, lit the first ever lamp in the Oval Office.
Following tradition, President Donald Trump was seen lighting the diya in 2017 along with his daughter Ivanka and Indian American members. However, the 15-year-old tradition of formal Diwali celebrations at the White House has seen an interruption due to the 2018 midterm elections.
President Joe Biden upped the ante and hosted the largest Diwali celebration ever held at the White House. The event was attended by 200 guests, including First Lady Jill Biden. At the event, Biden lit a diya and spoke about the importance of Diwali in Indian and South Asian American culture. “This is the first Diwali reception of this magnitude in this house that has ever been held,” President Biden said.
