Maybe U.S. Postal Service to issue stamp commemorating "Diwali"

tukat

Go here to sign petition for Diwali stamp: Anyone can sign, don't need to be US citizen.

http://www.petitiononline.com/diwali03/petition.html

from: US-India Friendship.net

Congressional Statements
Pallone introduces bill calling on U.S. Postal Service to issue stamp commemorating "Diwali"

Press Release
April 20, 2005

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. today introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that urges the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp honoring "Diwali," the holiday that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, also known as the "Festival of Lights."

Pallone said an estimated 1.5 million Indian Americans celebrate Diwali, which traditionally takes place for five days during the early fall months of September and October. The holiday is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslims and Buddhists and is considered a time for communal gatherings and spiritual enlightenment.

"Diwali is one of the most important and colorful of the Indian festivals and is celebrated enthusiastically by Indians all over the world," Pallone said. "The rich culture and spirit of Diwali has survived political, economic and social vicissitudes throughout history, while always carrying the universal symbolism of the triumph of light, goodness, knowledge and truth."

Pallone noted that the Diwali
stamp has received widespread community support. To date, approximately 115,000 people have signed an online petition to the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Commission in support of the stamp.

"I feel that Diwali is truly a marvelous holiday that deserves recognition," Pallone continued. "As the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee continues its plans for issuing new stamps, I hope that it will consider issuing a Diwali stamp to honor this culturally significant holiday celebrated in the United States and abroad."

Each day of the Diwali celebration has its own significance, rituals and myths. Light, in the form of candles and lamps, is a crucial part of Diwali, representing the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil and hope for the future. During Diwali, people light small oil lamps and place them around the home to pray for health, wealth, knowledge, peace and fame. Fireworks are an exciting part of Diwali and the celebration of the festival is also customarily accompanied by exchanging sweets.

The Citizen's Stamp Advisory Commission under the U.S. Postal Service currently issues many stamps with holiday themes, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid.

indiamike

Thanks for the link and article.

Doubtful if it will ever happen since no one takes the petition site very seriously. But it's a nice attempt.

Do check out another one on the site about "1 evil satanist destroying puppys, better known as Marilyn Manson " to sign the petition to stop musician Marilyn Manson from killing puppies on stage (I am not making this up) .


If your really gung-ho you can just go to http://www.photostamps.com and create your own stamp. In the US you can just add your own image and make your own stamps. Kinda fun if you have the extra money to spend on postage.

camelgirl

Just placed my second order at www.photostamps.com Fantastic gifts and certainly could make a stamp for Diwali for yourself. Only problem, they are expensive! Worth it as a gift. $17.99 plus shipping for 20 stamps. The more you buy the cheaper it is. I just had some made for my nephew's birthday with a photo of him at the Heinekin plant in Amsterdam ....really cool gifts!