WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has officially unveiled a new commemorative stamp for Diwali 2026, celebrating the Indian festival of lights with a vibrant rangoli design. The stamp, featuring the intricate artwork of Houston-based Indian artist Sangita Bhutada, was presented during a ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Washington on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second time the USPS has issued a stamp specifically for Diwali, with the first being released in 2016. The latest USPS Diwali stamp highlights the growing recognition of diverse cultural traditions within the United States.
A Celebration of Culture and Art
The new stamp showcases a traditional rangoli, a decorative floor pattern crafted from materials like colored rice powder, chalk, and flower petals. These designs are culturally believed to bring good luck. Sangita Bhutada, who has practiced this ancient folk art for nearly 30 years, was approached by the USPS over a year ago to create the design.
Bhutada shared that she submitted a dozen sketches, from which four were selected. The final rangoli, which originally measured eight feet in diameter, was brought to life using bright shades of blue, orange, green, red, and white to ensure optimal rendering on the stamp. Jennifer Arnold designed the stamp, with William J. Gicker serving as the art director.
Unveiling Ceremony Highlights
The unveiling event saw the presence of India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with USPS Senior Vice President Shibani Gambhir and artist Sangita Bhutada. Ambassador Kwatra emphasized the long-standing effort to partner with the USPS for a Diwali stamp release, noting its significance for the upcoming festival next month.
Shibani Gambhir highlighted the USPS's tradition of issuing stamps to commemorate cultures worldwide since 1893. "Our stamps allow us to weave together a tapestry that reflects the rich and multifaceted heritage of America," Gambhir stated, underscoring the role of postal stamps in celebrating global traditions.
Ambassador Kwatra also extended his gratitude to Bhutada for her dedication to preserving the centuries-old tradition of rangoli through her detailed designs. The release of this new USPS Diwali stamp serves as another acknowledgment of Indian cultural heritage in the United States, bringing a traditional art form to a broader audience through the nation's postal service.