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Home > News > Reply about issuance of Diwali Postal Stamp

Efforts to issue US Diwali Postage Stamp

Kumu Gupta with US Congressman Stephen Lynch

During Diwali in November last month US Congressman Stephen Lynch from Massachusetts, a Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on U.S. Postal Service, upon Miss Kumu Gupta's request sent a letter of support to the US Postmaster General for creation of a Diwali commomerative postage stamp. At present the US Postal Service has Christmas, Eid, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stamps but not one for Diwali.

In the letter, Congressman Lynch stated that " in 2007 , the US Congress recognized importance of Diwali in passing House Resolution 747 and Senate Resolution 299, citing 'religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali'. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated worldwide by more than a billion followers of Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism and holds a deep significance to the Hindu American community. A commemorative stamp honors the festival of Diwali to Hindu Americans and secular observers alike."

Kumu Gupta with Dr. Abhay Asthana, General Secretary Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America

Among other efforts for a Diwali stamp, by Indians in US in prior years, in 2004 a proposal was sent to the USPS by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and in 2009 again by Hindu American Foundation. Miss Gupta's request was supported by a letter from Dr. Abhaya Asthana, Secretary General and Dr. Mahesh Mehta Founder President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America.

There are similar efforts for a Diwali stamp petition drive in New York.

Reply about issuance of Diwali Postal Stamp from the United States Postal Services (USPS)