Washington: The US Postal Service (USPS) has printed 20 million copies of its new ‘Forever’ Diwali stamp. According to an official, the number is slightly higher than usual as there has been a lot of demand and support for this stamp from the Indian community. The new stamp was unveiled at the Indian Embassy in Washington on Wednesday local time.
More printing on demand of the Indian community
USPS Vice President Sahibani Gambhir told IANS during the ceremony that there was a lot of demand from the Indian community to release the second Diwali stamp. He had an idea that this stamp would also be as popular as the first stamp issued in 2016. For this reason, it was printed in large numbers, so that more and more people could use it.
Second Diwali stamp with rangoli design
This rangoli design stamp is the second special stamp issued by the USPS on the occasion of Diwali. Earlier, the first Diwali stamp was issued in 2016. Sahibani Gambhir said that the first stamp was very popular among the Indian community and it sold millions of copies. He said that this time 2 crore rangoli stamps have been printed. He hopes that the Indian community will use them. Apart from this, there will also be enthusiasm among the stamp collectors to buy it.
Unveiled ceremony at Indian Embassy
The formal unveiling and reception of the stamp was held at the Embassy of India, Washington DC. Sahibani Gambhir graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
A symbol of strengthening India-US relations
Speaking at the event, India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra said Diwali is first and foremost a festival for millions of Indian-Americans who consider the US their home. These include students, professionals, artists, and families. He said that Indian-Americans connect the societies of the two countries and play the role of a vibrant bridge between the India-US relationship. This event is also an important link to further strengthen the relations between the two countries.
An opportunity to celebrate cultural heritage
Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that this stamp is an occasion to celebrate India’s cultural heritage and cultural strength with the Indian-American community and American society. He said that as we approach the festival of Diwali, this stamp has become an important part of the celebrations.
Houston-based artist creates rangoli
The stamp depicts a colourful rangoli created by Houston-based artist Sangeeta Bhutada. It is engraved on a purple background. Sangeeta, who has been making rangoli for nearly 30 years, used starch-based coloured powder and coloured sand to create the design.
The proposal to create the design was received via email.
Sangeeta Bhutada said that she had received an email from the USPS, asking if she could make rangoli for the stamp. He said that after signing the contract, he sent sketches of his design. After this, rangoli was made on the floor in different colors and his photographer friend Bijay Dixit took pictures of them. He said that bright colours like red and orange were preferred in the design as these colours are especially associated with the festival of Diwali.
Stamps will be available in post offices and online
According to the USPS, the stamp was designed by Jennifer Arnold, while William J. Gicker took on the role of art director. These stamps are available in panels of 20-20 in post offices and online. Being a ‘Forever’ stamp, its price will always be equal to one ounce of first-class postage. That is, even if the rate of postage duty increases, the stamp purchased earlier can be used.
Diwali symbolizes the victory of evil over good
Diwali is a major festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and other communities. It is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The issuance of a special stamp for Diwali in the US underscores the cultural identity of the Indian-American community and the cultural ties between the two countries.
[DD news]