[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post unveils Diwali stamp celebrating the arrival of the Festival of Lights
New stamp showcases traditional torana and diya, honouring one of the world’s most widely celebrated festivals

BRAMPTON, Ontario – Canada Post is issuing a new stamp marking the arrival of Diwali, a major festival observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and other communities in Canada and around the world.

The stamp features an original illustration of a woman’s hands as she strings together marigolds and mango leaves to make a traditional torana – an ornate garland to be draped across the entrance of a home or temple. Like other auspicious decorations that feature prominently during the holiday, toranas are intended to welcome guests and invite Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, to bestow good fortune on those who enter. Part of the string forms the outline of a diya, a clay oil lamp that is an important symbol of Diwali. Diyas are often displayed during the festival to commemorate the triumph of light over darkness.

Also called the Festival of Lights, the holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. While communities observe Diwali on different days and in different ways, the festivities often include fireworks, gift exchanges between family and friends, and the giving of food to those in need. This year, Diwali begins on November 8.

The stamp is one of several annual issues that showcase events of importance to Canada’s culturally diverse population. Others include yearly stamps celebrating Eid, Hanukkah and Christmas. Canada Post has issued a new Diwali stamp each year since 2020.

About the stamp
The new Diwali stamp issue was designed by Kristine Do and illustrated by Radha Joshi Raul. It was printed by Colour Innovations and includes a booklet of six Permanent™ stamps and an Official First Day Cover [below]. The cancel location is Brampton, Ontario. [It’s very faint on the illustration and probably the actual OFDC, but it is touching the upper left corner of the stamp. —VSC]

The stamps and collectibles will be available at canadapost.ca and at select postal outlets across Canada beginning October 19.