By Geeta Goindi
October 23, 2026 – A decade after issuing its first Diwali postage stamp, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has unveiled a new Forever stamp featuring a vibrant rangoli created by Houston-based artist Sangita Bhutada.
The stamp was formally dedicated at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening, in a ceremony bringing together diplomats, senior USPS officials and members of the Indian-American community.
Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra participated in the unveiling alongside Shibani Gambhir, USPS Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations, who served as the official dedicating officer, and Bhutada.
The release marks only the second Diwali stamp in U.S. postal history, following the 2016 edition featuring a traditional diya (oil lamp). That stamp was subsequently unveiled at a Diwali celebration held at the Chancery by then-envoy Navtej Sarna and Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman.
Diwali Stamp Unveiled at Indian Embassy Celebration in Washington
Speaking about the new stamp, Ambassador Kwatra highlighted the Embassy’s collaboration with the USPS.
“This effort by the Embassy to partner with the United States Postal Service to have a stamp release on Diwali has been an effort long in the making,” he said.
Recalling that the initiative had been delayed last year, he welcomed its realization ahead of the upcoming festival, which falls on November 8.
“Now, a decade later, we celebrate another release of Diwali stamp,” the Ambassador said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gambhir highlighted the Postal Service’s longstanding tradition of recognizing the diverse cultures that have shaped American society.
“Since 1893, the Postal Service has issued stamps commemorating the cultures of people who have come from around the world,” she said. “Ours is truly a world culture, and our stamps allow us to weave together a tapestry that reflects the rich and multifaceted heritage of America.”
At the heart of the new stamp is an intricate, multicolored rangoli set against a brilliant purple background. Traditionally made with colored powders, rice, sand or flower petals, these decorative patterns adorn the entrances of homes during Diwali and other auspicious occasions, symbolizing welcome, prosperity and good fortune.
Born in India, Bhutada has practiced rangoli and henna art for nearly three decades.
According to the USPS, she began by sketching the design on paper before recreating it on the floor using colored sand and starch-based powder, carefully sprinkled with her fingers and, at times, a kitchen strainer.
The elaborate creation, measuring eight feet in diameter, took eight to ten days to complete, considerably longer than the four to six hours she normally spends on a rangoli.
Using vivid shades of blue, orange, green, red and white, Bhutada produced a striking design that was photographed by Houston-area photographer Bijay Dixit. The image was subsequently incorporated into the stamp by designer Jennifer Arnold, with William J. Gicker serving as art director.
Stamp Commemorating Diwali is Issued by US Postal Service
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is among the most widely celebrated festivals in India and around the world. Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, the occasion is marked by prayers, the lighting of diyas, festive gatherings, decorations and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhist communities, each observing the occasion according to their own religious and cultural traditions.
The original Diwali stamp followed years of sustained advocacy by Indian-American community leaders and organizations, marking a milestone in the recognition of the festival in American public life.
As a Forever stamp, the new edition will remain valid for the prevailing First-Class Mail rate for a one-ounce letter, regardless of future postal rate increases.
The USPS has printed 20 million copies, available in sheets of 20 at post offices nationwide and through its online Postal Store.
With its colorful depiction of rangoli, the new stamp brings a centuries-old artistic tradition into everyday American correspondence, carrying Diwali’s message of light, hope and renewal across the country.
An online link:
https://americanbazaaronline.com/2026/10/23/new-diwali-stamp-unveiled-at-indian-embassy-in-washington-dc-490605/
