Shubh Diwali stamps from New Zealand

 

Shubh Diwali

To be issued on : 7 October 2021

Here is a set of beautiful stamps and a miniature sheet featuring Shubh Diwali , the famous Hindu Festival. This issue is expected to be issued on 7th October 2021.The miniature sheet for this issue features a vibrant illustration of the goddess Lakshmi.  The four stamps feature four important parts of Diwali : Diya, Fireworks, Laddu and Rangoli 

Diwali is the most celebrated Hindu festival in New Zealand. It is known as the 'festival of lights', and symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. For some, it is the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year. Featured here is a Rangoli decoration, and each the four stamps represents one of the ways in which Diwali is celebrated. 

The first of the five days of Diwali is Dhanteras (Dun-te-rus), a day spent shopping for gold or silver, new clothing and gifts. The following day is spent decorating the home to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi (depicted here) who brings good fortune and prosperity. The third and main day of the festival usually includes a feast and fireworks, with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Day four is dedicated to visiting friends and family, distributing trays of mithai (mee-tay) - sweets – and exchanging gifts. Bhai Dhooj, dedicated solely to the strong bond between a brother and a sister, marks the end of Diwali. 

The true essence of Diwali is in finding positivity in the moment and being grateful for health and happiness. 

$1.50 Diya 

Customarily, houses and shops are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called diya (dee-aa). Diyas are placed in rows along windowsills and doorways to help guide Lakshmi, the Goddess of luck and prosperity, into their homes.  

$2.80 Fireworks 

During Diwali, friends and family get together and celebrate through worship, lights, festive food and fireworks that symbolically light up the night sky. 

$3.60 Laddu 

This Indian sweet is a favourite treat served during Diwali and often given as an offering to Lakshmi. 

$4.10 Rangoli 

Rangoli (rung-oh-lee), a colourful sand art hand designed on the ground, is used to decorate the home during Diwali. It is believed that a household with a clean entrance and rangoli décor will welcome the Goddess Lakshmi into the home, bringing with her good fortune and prosperity.