A colourful new Canadian stamp celebrating Diwali features an intricate illustration of a woman creating a traditional torana, a decorative garland associated with the Festival of Lights.
Issued Oct. 19, the stamp depicts a pair of hands stringing together marigolds and mango leaves to form the garland, traditionally hung above the entrance to a home or temple. The original illustration incorporates another important Diwali symbol, with part of the string forming the outline of a diya, a small clay oil lamp.
Toranas are displayed during Diwali to welcome visitors and invite Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, to bring good fortune to those entering. Diyas, meanwhile, symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, a central theme of the festival.
The Official First Day Cover for Canada’s 2026 Diwali stamp features a Brampton, Ont., cancellation dated Oct. 19, the stamp’s first day of issue.
Designed by Kristine Do and illustrated by Radha Joshi Raul, the stamp was printed by Colour Innovations. The issue includes a booklet of six Permanent domestic-rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover bearing a Brampton, Ont., cancellation.
Diwali, which begins Nov. 8 this year, is celebrated by Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist and other communities in Canada and around the world. Although traditions vary, celebrations often include lighting lamps, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, setting off fireworks and sharing food with family, friends and those in need.
The 2026 issue continues an annual Canadian Diwali stamp series introduced in 2020. The stamps and related collectibles are available through select postal outlets and Canada Post’s website.