For many people in the north of India, the holiday honors the return of Rama, an incarnation or avatar of the god Vishnu, after a long period of exile. The meaning of Diwali often depends on regional identity on the Indian subcontinent, but Hindu stories provide a framework for the significance of the festival. The stamp features a traditional diya against a background of glimmering gold and flower petals. During Diwali flickering oil-wick lamps called diyas dot the homes of observers around the world. Spanning five days each autumn, it is considered by some to be the start of the new year.ĭiwali is a shortened version of the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which roughly translates as a necklace of lights. One of the most important annual Hindu events, the holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Postal Service® commemorates the joyous festival of Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali.
