India-Israel Joint issue

Diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in 1992. To mark the completion of twenty years of diplomatic ties, both countries have jointly issued a set of two commemorative postage stamps. These stamps highlight the shared cultural symbolism of light through the depiction of two festivals of lights — Deepavali and Hanukkah.

Deepavali – Festival of Lights

Deepavali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Kartik according to the Indian lunar calendar, usually falling in late October or early November. It is one of the most important Hindu festivals and symbolizes the victory of righteousness over evil.

The word Deepavali literally means “rows of lamps.” The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after a fourteen-year exile, following the defeat of the demon king Ravana. Tradition holds that the people illuminated the entire kingdom with earthen lamps (diyas) to celebrate the return of their beloved king.

Deepavali continues to be celebrated with great joy across India through cleaning, decorating and illuminating homes, shops and marketplaces, exchanging greetings and sweets, and bursting firecrackers.

Hanukkah – Jewish Festival of Lights

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BC.

According to the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Shabbat 21b), when the Temple was reclaimed, the Maccabees found only a small quantity of pure oil—sufficient to light the Temple menorah for a single day. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days, until more oil could be prepared.

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev as per the Hebrew calendar. It is customary to light candles each night in a nine-branched candelabrum, known as the Menorah or Hanukiah, with one additional candle lit on each successive night until all eight are illuminated on the final day.

Shared Symbolism of Light

Like the diyas of Deepavali, the candles of Hanukkah symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the victory of justice over injustice. The menorah depicted on the Hanukkah stamp is inspired by the wooden menorah traditionally used by the Jewish community in Mumbai, reflecting the cultural links between the two nations.

Commemorative Postage Stamps

As India and Israel celebrate twenty years of diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two countries continues to strengthen and expand. The Department of Posts is pleased to participate in this celebration by issuing commemorative postage stamps on Deepavali and Hanukkah, symbolizing friendship, shared values and mutual respect between the two nations.