Diwali Forever Stamp 2016
Diwali, the traditional Hindu festival, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair, spanning five days between mid-October and November. Its pinnacle occurs on the third day, coinciding with the darkest night of the lunar calendar.
Preparations for Diwali begin with meticulous cleaning and vibrant decorations, including the creation of rangoli, intricate floor designs crafted from rice, sand, and flowers. These symbolic artworks, often adorned with vivid colors, represent auspiciousness and are traditionally crafted by women.
At the heart of Diwali is the "festival of lights," culminating in Lakshmi Puja on its third day. Homes are adorned with countless diyas, clay oil lamps, illuminating the darkness, while rooftops twinkle with strings of lights, and the sky bursts into dazzling fireworks displays. Families gather to feast, exchange gifts, and offer prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, believed to bless homes with wealth and fortune as she traverses the Earth.
Diwali's significance transcends borders, with celebrations spreading worldwide, fostering cultural understanding and reflecting the festival's core theme of enlightenment. As nations embrace Diwali, they also embrace the spirit of learning, echoing its message of knowledge triumphing over ignorance.
