The United States Postal Service (USPS) has introduced its 2026 Diwali Forever stamp, featuring an elaborate rangoli decorated with traditional oil lamps, in a celebration of the Indian festival that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. The stamp was officially unveiled at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., on October 22, with Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra and senior postal officials attending the ceremony.
The release represents only the second time USPS has issued a stamp dedicated to Diwali. Its first commemorative issue appeared in 2016, making the latest launch a milestone for the Indian American community and a recognition of the festival’s cultural significance in the United States.
The postal service announced the new design on X, encouraging Americans to incorporate the festive artwork into their everyday correspondence. The stamp features a vibrant rangoli, a traditional decorative art form created using colored powders and other materials, with diyas symbolizing the light associated with Diwali.
Ambassador Kwatra described the release as the result of a longstanding collaboration between the Indian Embassy and USPS. He explained that efforts to bring the project to completion had begun earlier, with the initiative continuing into 2026 after delays in the previous year. He also highlighted how the stamp connects Indian cultural traditions with the Indian diaspora and the wider American public.
Shibani Gambhir, USPS senior vice president of revenue operations, announced that 20 million stamps had been printed for distribution. She welcomed the opportunity to share the design with Indian Americans, stamp collectors, and other members of the public. The stamps will be available in panes of 20.
The artwork was created by Sangita Bhutada, an Indian-born artist who has lived in the Houston area for many years and has practiced rangoli for nearly three decades. Producing the design required considerably more time than a typical rangoli. Bhutada first sketched the pattern before carefully arranging colored sand and starch-based powder by hand, occasionally using a kitchen strainer to achieve the desired details.
The finished artwork measured eight feet in diameter and took approximately eight to 10 days to complete, compared with the four to six hours she usually spends on similar creations. Photographer Bijay Dixit, also based in the Houston area, captured the design in high resolution, with the final image placed against a striking purple background.
Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days, beginning with Dhanteras and continuing through Naraka Chaturdashi, the main Diwali festivities, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Families mark the occasion through prayers, decorations, gifts, and gatherings. The new USPS stamp brings a visual representation of these traditions to millions of mail recipients while highlighting the cultural connections between India and the United States.
