The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released a new Diwali-themed Forever stamp featuring an elaborate rangoli designed by Indian artist Sangita Bhutada. The latest release marks only the second occasion in the past decade that the American postal service has issued a stamp dedicated to the Indian festival of lights. The previous Diwali stamp was introduced in 2016.
The US Embassy in India shared the new stamp design on its official X account, highlighting the postal service’s special tribute to the festival. “Celebrate the festival of lights. Did you know? The U.S. Postal Service just issued a Forever stamp celebrating Diwali!” the post read.
Indian artist Sangita Bhutada creates eight-foot rangoli for Diwali stamp
The newly released USPS Diwali stamp showcases a colourful rangoli set against a purple background. The intricate artwork was created by Indian artist Sangita Bhutada, who has spent nearly 30 years practising the traditional art form.
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According to the US Postal Service, Bhutada created the rangoli on an eight-foot diameter surface, spending between eight and 10 days completing the artwork. Photographer Bijay Dixit captured the finished design, while Jennifer Arnold was responsible for the stamp’s layout and design.
The stamp was officially unveiled on October 21, 2026, at the Embassy of India in Washington DC. The postal service has printed approximately 20 million copies, with 20 stamps included in each sheet.
The new edition is a Forever stamp, which means it can be used for mailing a one-ounce First-Class letter at the applicable rate, even if postage prices increase later. Customers do not need to pay the additional amount following a price revision.
USPS released its first Diwali stamp in 2016
The latest release comes nearly 10 years after the USPS introduced its first stamp celebrating Diwali. It was unveiled on October 5, 2016, in New York.
Unlike the latest rangoli artwork, the 2016 edition featured a photograph of a traditional diya surrounded by flower petals. The lamp was placed against a shimmering golden background, representing the festival’s message of the triumph of good over evil.
https://t.co/BZbefk1GNk
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) November 5, 2026
The earlier stamp was designed by Greg Breeding, with photography by Sally Andersen-Bruce. With the 2026 release, the USPS has brought another traditional Indian art form into its collection of commemorative stamps.
Social media users welcome new Diwali stamp
The US Embassy’s announcement has also attracted responses from social media users, several of whom welcomed the initiative and shared festive wishes.
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“This might make me send postcards this Diwali. Thanks for sharing!” one user commented. Another user responded with “Diwali greetings”.
The new USPS Diwali stamp has once again brought attention to India’s cultural traditions, with the colourful rangoli offering a distinctive representation of the festival on an internationally circulated postage stamp.