| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | November 9, 2023 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Quantity | 330,000 |
| Denomination |
 PERMANENT™ (P).Current monetary value: $0.92. |
| Postal Administration | Canada |
This stamp heralds the arrival of Diwali, one of the largest and most widely celebrated festivals in India – and one observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and other communities in Canada and around the world. The Festival of Lights, as it is also known, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Canada Post's holiday stamp issues honour events significant to Canada's diverse population, including Eid, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Diwali.
The Diwali stamp will be issued on November 9, several days ahead of the celebration, which this year falls on November 12. This is Canada Post’s fifth Diwali stamp; the first four were issued in 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Diwali usually falls in October or November and coincides with the arrival of the new moon. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, as its central theme is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
During the festivities, fireworks light up the night sky as an expression of gratitude for health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity.
Homes and temples are illuminated by the glow from small clay oil-lamps known as diyas, which are also set adrift on rivers. Elaborate and colourful Rangoli patterns, crafted from materials such as rice, paint, coloured sand or powder, and flower petals adorn entranceways, living rooms, and courtyards. Beautiful garlands, called toranas, are draped across the entrances and faces of homes and temples.
These auspicious decorations are all intended to welcome guests and invite Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, to bestow her good fortune on those who enter. In the spirit of togetherness and generosity, families and friends exchange gifts and share food and goods with those in need, spreading the joy and blessings of Diwali throughout the community.
The stamp, designed by Kristine Do and illustrated by Rena Chen, was inspired by the beautiful garlands – known as toranas – that are draped across the entrances and facades of homes and temples during Diwali.
The stamp is a vivid presentation of colours, with warm shades of orange and yellow harmonizing with green and white against a captivating purple-blue background. At its centre is an artful interpretation of the marigold flowers and mango-tree leaves that are traditional elements of torana garlands.
Adding the finishing touches to the stamp's design, four small oil lamps – known as diyas -- grace each corner, symbolizing their indispensable significance to the festivities.