Diwali India Canada Joint issue

India and Canada have a longstanding close relationship, based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, equality for all and rule of law. Strong people-to-people contacts and the presence of a large Indian Diaspora in Canada provide a strong foundation for the relationship. The two countries cooperate closely in the areas of trade and investment, Science & Technology, civil nuclear energy, space, clean energy, agriculture and health. Both sides are actively engaged in further deepening and strengthening this partnership with a view to harnessing its full potential. As a result, bilateral trade and investments have witnessed an increase in recent years and air connectivity has been strengthened. The two countries also have a convergent outlook on many pressing regional and global issues of present times.

The first-ever joint issue of Commemorative Postage Stamps on the theme of Diwali is a symbol of strong friendship between India and Canada as well as a tribute to the contributions made by Indian Diaspora to the multi-cultural fabric of Canada. It is also reflective of the strong cooperation between the Postal Departments of the two countries. This joint-issue is happening at a time when Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary of the Confederation and India, the 70th Anniversary of its Independence*.

Diwali is one of the most colorful, sacred and loveliest festivals of India. It is celebrated every year with great joy and enthusiasm throughout the length and breadth of the country. The Diwali festival goes as far back as ancient India. It was a celebration held after the summer harvest in the month of Kartika in the traditional calendar. The festival of Diwali also marks the happy return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years’ exile. It is a festival of lights and festivities. It comes off about twenty days after Dussehra and shows the advent of winter.

Diwali is an important and one of the most sacred festivals celebrated across the world by ethnic Indians. Besides India, Diwali itself is widely observed by Canada, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal, Malaysia and other countries with a significant presence of people of Indian origin.

Diwali means a row or collection of lamps. A few days before Diwali, houses, buildings, shops and temples are thoroughly cleaned, white-washed and decorated with pictures, toys and flowers. On the Diwali day, people put on rich clothes and move about in a holiday mood. In the evening, every household performs prayer and puja, mostly of Goddesses Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the deity of happy and hassle free beginnings. Puja is followed by lightning of earthen lamps and fireworks. Nowadays earthen lamps are generally replaced by electric lights. People exchange greetings and gifts or sweets on this day. Diwali is a time to leave behind anything that had been holding us back and to step forth into the world refreshed and determined to do good.

Diwali celebrations in Canada are similar to those in India, with many members of the diaspora in Canada lighting rows of small clay lamps at their homes, giving donations to those in need, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special sweets and fireworks displays. In Canada, members of the community gather at Hindu temples, community centres, church basements, and even on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa (Canada’s Capital), to socialize and celebrate together. Diwali is also a time for sending greetings to friends and family across the country and around the world, with both traditional cards and eCards being popular.