Canada Post and India Post issue joint stamp for Diwali

The stamps were unveiled this week at Toronto City Hall by Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra; Vikas Swarup, the High Commissioner of India to Canada; and Mayor of Toronto John Tory.

“The Diwali stamps express our pride in Canada being a land of diverse faiths, customs and celebrations,” says Chopra “It is fitting that this historic first joint issue celebrates the strong relationship between Canada and India.”

About a month ahead of Diwali celebrations, which will be held October 19-23, two domestic-rate stamps are available in Canada. A stamp with a red background is the Canadian design, while one with a gold background was designed by India Post. The souvenir sheet has a Canadian international rate stamp and an Indian stamp.

Diwali, a five-day celebration, begins on the 15th day of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. Its main theme is the triumph of light over darkness. The celebration traditionally includes fireworks. In Canada, people often light candles in their homes, while in India, they light small clay lamps filled with oil; illumination is believed to ward off evil and attract happiness and good fortune. Believers also display colourful geometric rangoli patterns to decorate entrances. Families and friends also share sweets and gifts with one another and with those in need.