The Postal Service will issue a stamp this fall to commemorate the Hindu festival of Diwali.
The stamp, to be released Oct. 5, shows a traditional diya oil lamp against a sparkling gold background. Diya lamps are usually made from clay with cotton wicks dipped in a clarified butter.
Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The festival spans five days each autumn and is considered by some to be the start of the new year.
On the Hindu calendar, Diwali occurs between mid-October and mid-November. This year, the main day of the festival will be celebrated Oct. 29 for South Indians and Oct 30 for North Indians.
Diwali is a shortened version of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which roughly translates as “a necklace of lights.” During Diwali, the flickering oil-wick diyas are found in observers’ homes around the world.
The Aug. 23 news release has more information.