WASHINGTON D.C., October 21, 2026 (About USPS): Today, 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. “Since 1893, the Postal Service has issued stamps commemorating the cultures of people who have come from around the world,” said Shibani Gambhir, USPS revenue operations senior vice president, who served as the dedicating official. “Ours is truly a world culture, and our stamps allow us to weave together a tapestry that reflects the rich and multifaceted heritage of America.”

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 and 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. This is the second Diwali stamp. The first one was issued in 2016. The rangoli for this year’s stamp was created by artist Sangita Bhutada, a native of India and longtime resident of the Houston area who has been a practitioner of this ancient folk art for nearly 30 years.

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https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/1021-new-usps-diwali-stamp-honors-traditional-autumn-festival.htm

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