Diwali (also known as Deepavali), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an ancient Hindu festival held annually in India and other countries in which sizeable Hindu populations live.
With Hinduism now one of the fastest growing religions in Australia, the national post service Australia Post is now set to join in the Hindu festivities too by releasing a limited edition series of specially-designed Diwali -themed post stamps for the occasion.
In a statement to SBS Gujarati, an Australia Post spokesperson said: "Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair."
"Tradition has it that the God Rama returned to his people after 14 years, during which he battled and prevailed over the demons and their king. The myriad lights that shine for this festival illuminate the darkness.
"Marking the Hindu New Year, Diwali is celebrated not only through domestic rituals of cleaning, renewal, feasting, gift-giving, prayer and the lighting of small diyas (lamps), but also through very public displays of fireworks.
The special edition collection will include a $1 Red Rose Heart stamp "and an image of lit diya surrounded by a mandala pattern, which in Hinduism symbolises the universe."
Australia Post provided SBS Gujarati with a sneak peek of the special edition range above.
The Diwali PNC will be available available from 17 October 2017, online, at participating Post Offices and via mail order.
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