USPS Issues Diwali Forever Stamp

The Postal Service's second Diwali-themed stamp features a circular rangoli-inspired design on a purple background.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hinduism

Close view of a rangoli-inspired circular pattern in saffron, magenta, and gold on a deep purple background, with marigold petals on a wooden counter. — The U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday released a Forever stamp honoring Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, marking its second Diwali-themed stamp after its first in 2016. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The United States Postal Service has unveiled a new Forever stamp commemorating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The stamp is the second Diwali-themed stamp the USPS has issued, following its first in 2016.

Why it matters

The stamp recognizes Diwali, one of the most widely observed festivals among Hindu Americans, within the national postal system. The US Embassy in India publicized the release, highlighting the stamp's reach beyond the United States.

The stamp is a Forever stamp bearing the 'USA / FOREVER' denomination marking and the word 'Diwali' below the artwork. The design uses a circular rangoli-inspired pattern in vibrant shades against a purple background, and the source does not state a print run or release-date sales figures.

The players

United States Postal Service

The USPS is the independent agency of the federal government responsible for mail delivery and the issuance of U.S. postage stamps.

US Embassy in India

The US Embassy in New Delhi is the diplomatic mission through which the United States conducts bilateral relations with India, and it publicized the stamp on social media.

The details

The stamp features an intricate circular rangoli-inspired pattern in vibrant colors against a purple background, with the word 'Diwali' displayed beneath the artwork. The US Embassy in India shared the announcement via a post on X.

2016: The USPS issued its first Diwali-themed stamp.
November 5, 2026: The US Embassy in India posted about the new Diwali stamp on X.

Culture Shift

This second USPS Diwali stamp follows the 2016 precedent, continuing a pattern of federal recognition of Hindu observances in American public life. It reflects the growing presence of Hindu American communities in the United States, which the postal service has now acknowledged twice on its stamps.

For collectors and mail senders, the stamp is a Forever stamp that remains valid for postage regardless of future rate increases. Households celebrating Diwali can purchase it at post offices for mailing holiday greetings and cards.

The takeaway

Diwali's recognition on a second U.S. postage stamp shows the festival's growing place in American civic life. Readers interested in collecting can look for the Forever stamp at their local post office.