Celebrate Diwali and send your family and friends good wishes with this booklet of 6 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps.

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Booklet of 6 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps
Issued in 2022 to herald the arrival of Diwali, a major festival observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and other communities
Permanent™ stamps are always worth the going postage rate. Buy today and use anytime in the future

About the 2022 Diwali issue

This stamp heralds the arrival of Diwali, one of the largest, most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is Canada Post’s fourth Diwali stamp and was issued on October 6, several weeks ahead of Diwali, which fell on October 24 in the year 2022.

About Diwali

Tales differ about the origins of Diwali. According to one legend dating back to 650-550 BCE, the festival originated to honour the return of Prince Rama and his wife, Sita, after 14 years in exile. Rama, who was to assume the throne, was banished from Ayodhya at the bidding of his stepmother, who wanted her son to become ruler. Rama and Sita were living in the forest when the 10-headed demon king, Ravana, kidnaped Sita. After slaying the tyrant in an epic battle, Rama freed his wife and returned home triumphantly. The couple, soon to be crowned king and queen, arrived to find their path and village illuminated with dīpāvali (rows of oil lamps, or diyas), from which the word Diwali is derived.

Today, fireworks are set off, and millions of candles, lamps and colourful lights decorate homes and communities worldwide in honour of Diwali.

About the design

The stamp design features an illustration by Arthur Grivel – of the Montréal design firm Paprika – of two traditions central to the celebration of Diwali: the lighting of small lamps called diyas and the setting off of fireworks. Fluorescent ink applied to parts of the stamp intensifies its colour and gives it a glowing appearance when exposed to black light. The front of the stamp booklet features illustrations of fireworks at night – a central part of Diwali celebrations. The colourful images are also evocative of the intricate Rangoli patterns created on the floors of entranceways to welcome good fortune during the celebration.

Product # 414195111

Diwali (2022): Permanent™ domestic rate stamps - booklet of 6