USPS sets October 21 first-day ceremony for new rangoli-themed Diwali Forever stamp

The U.S. Postal Service announced on 17 September 2026 that its new Diwali Forever stamp will be issued on 21 October, with the first-day ceremony at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. Retail sales and cancellations are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by a ceremonial unveiling and reception at 6 p.m. USPS sales intelligence and support vice president Shibani Gambhir will serve as dedicating official.

The stamp depicts a rangoli, the colourful floor decoration traditionally created during Diwali. Artist Sangita Bhutada made the featured design from starch-based coloured powder and coloured sand, using blue, orange, green, red and white against a purple background. Bijay Dixit photographed the rangoli. William J. Gicker served as art director and Jennifer Arnold designed the stamp.

USPS will sell the issue as a Forever stamp in panes of 20, making each stamp valid for the prevailing First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. The Postal Service says Diwali in 2026 has its main festival day on 8 November, placing the postal release a little over two weeks before the celebration.

The 17 September advisory adds the specific first-day venue, ceremony schedule, dedicating official, finished design credits and pane format. The Embassy of India setting also gives first-day material a direct institutional connection to the festival.