Congressional Statements

Pallone introduces bill calling on U.S. Postal Service to issue stamp commemorating "Diwali"

Press Release
April 20, 2005

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. today introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that urges the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp honoring "Diwali," the holiday that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, also known as the "Festival of Lights."

Pallone said an estimated 1.5 million Indian Americans celebrate Diwali, which traditionally takes place for five days during the early fall months of September and October. The holiday is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslims and Buddhists and is considered a time for communal gatherings and spiritual enlightenment.

"Diwali is one of the most important and colorful of the Indian festivals and is celebrated enthusiastically by Indians all over the world," Pallone said. "The rich culture and spirit of Diwali has survived political, economic and social vicissitudes throughout history, while always carrying the universal symbolism of the triumph of light, goodness, knowledge and truth."

Pallone noted that the Diwali stamp has received widespread community support. To date, approximately 115,000 people have signed an online petition to the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Commission in support of the stamp.

"I feel that Diwali is truly a marvelous holiday that deserves recognition," Pallone continued. "As the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee continues its plans for issuing new stamps, I hope that it will consider issuing a Diwali stamp to honor this culturally significant holiday celebrated in the United States and abroad."

Each day of the Diwali celebration has its own significance, rituals and myths. Light, in the form of candles and lamps, is a crucial part of Diwali, representing the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil and hope for the future. During Diwali, people light small oil lamps and place them around the home to pray for health, wealth, knowledge, peace and fame. Fireworks are an exciting part of Diwali and the celebration of the festival is also customarily accompanied by exchanging sweets.

The Citizen's Stamp Advisory Commission under the U.S. Postal Service currently issues many stamps with holiday themes, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid.