Canada Post issues new Diwali stamp Nov. 9

By Molly Goad

Canada Post has added to its annual holiday stamp series with a lively design for Diwali issued Nov. 9.

Diwali is a major and widely embraced festival in India, observed not only by Hindus but also by Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and various other communities in Canada and across the globe.

The five-day celebration’s start date fluctuates yearly because the holiday coincides with the arrival of the new moon. This year, Diwali began on Nov. 12.

Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, Diwali is marked by the lighting of lamps, colorful decorations, gifts and fireworks.

Families come together to perform traditional rituals, share meals, and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being during this spiritually significant occasion.

Illustrated by Rena Chen and designed by Kristine Do, the stamp draws inspiration from the exquisite garlands called torans that embellish homes and temples during the Diwali festival.

Bursting with vibrant hues, the stamp design features a blend of warm oranges and yellows juxtaposed with greens and whites, all set against a purple blue backdrop.

The stamp’s focal point contains an artistic portrayal of marigold flowers and mango tree leaves, key components of traditional toran garlands.

To complete the design, four petite oil lamps, referred to as diyas, elegantly adorn each corner.

In place of the denomination, the design includes a “P” inside a symbolic maple leaf, indicating that it pays the permanent rate (currently 92¢).

This is the fifth time Canada Post has honored Diwali on stamps.

The first issue in 2017 included two stamps (Scott 3024-3025) in a booklet of 10 and a souvenir sheet (3023) with a $2.50 stamp. The sheet was a joint issue with India and also contained an India stamp.

Single Diwali stamps were issued by Canada Post in 2020 (Scott 3251), 2021 (3304) and 2022 (3354).

Colour Innovations printed this year’s stamp by five-color lithography. The square stamp is 40 millimeters by 40m. The quantity printed was 55,000 booklets of six, and the Canada Post ordering number is 414248111.

Canada Post produced 4,500 first-day covers, canceled Vancouver, British Columbia, which is home to a large community of Indian Canadians. The cancellation image is a line drawing of a marigold flower. The FDC product number is 414248131.

Canada Post stamps and related items are available online.

Stamps and FDCs are available by mail order from Canada Post Customer Service, Box 90022, 2701 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1V 1J8 Canada; or by telephone from the United States or Canada at 800-565-4362, and from other countries at 902-863-6550.

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