Hinduism, the third most-observed non-Christian religion in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center, will finally have a first-class postage stamp honoring one of its most cherished festivals.
The United States Postal Service announced this week an Oct. 5 launch date for its new postage stamp honoring the Hindu festival of Diwali, a festival of lights, which falls in late October this year.
The stamp’s unveiling will take place at the Indian consulate in New York City, according to a postal service press release.
Judging by reactions on social media, the stamp’s release appears to be a hit with its potential customer base.
“This year and for many more, diyas and spirits will shine brighter, as will greetings cards and gift packages sent donning the Diwali stamp,” proclaimed Hindu American Foundation executive director Suhag A. Shukla in a Facebook post.
“An excellent example of persistence and consistency. Love that it’s going to be a forever stamp!!” exclaimed Deepa Pattani, a Dallas pharmacist and business owner, on her Facebook wall.
“The USPS commemorative Diwali stamp issued this year will further increase and enrich our nation’s tapestry of religious and cultural diversity,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii Democrat and Congress’s first-elected practicing Hindu, in a Facebook post Thursday. “It’s issuance will be greatly appreciated by many.”
It wasn’t until 1962 that a stamp honoring the Christmas holiday was officially issued.
“Anticipating a huge demand for the new Christmas stamp, the department had 350 million printed — the largest number produced for a special stamp until that time,” according to a postal service fact page on holiday postage stamps. “The initial supply sold out quickly and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began working around-the-clock to print more. By the end of 1962, 1 billion stamps had been printed and distributed.”
Stamps honoring the Jewish festival of Chanukah and the Muslim commemoration of Eid were authorized, in 1996 and 2001, respectively.
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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