WASHINGTON DC (August 23, 2016) - Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) celebrated the United States Postal Service\'s (USPS) announcement that it would issue a Diwali stamp for 2016. The Forever stamp will be released on October 5, 2016, twenty five days ahead of the Hindu holiday. The stamp displays a single lit clay lamp, or diya, against a colorful backdrop showcasing the most iconic symbol of the holiday.

Year-long Advocacy Campaign Shows Strength of Community

Prompted by a letter co-led by HAF and Indiaspora, more than 100 community organizations petitioned the Citizens\' Stamp Advisory Committee. This was followed by an advocacy day organized by HAF and a Congressional Diwali celebration at the Library of Congress. In turn, this galvanized support from members of the House and Senate for bipartisan resolutions in their respective chambers in honor of a long standing community request for an official Diwali stamp.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), in particular, championed this cause for many years. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and House members Joe Crowley (D-NY), Ed Royce (R-CA) Ami Bera (D-CA), and George Holding (R-NC), all past or present co-chairs of their chamber\'s India Caucuses, also led significant campaigns to assure Congressional support for this measure. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), the only Hindu member of Congress, led the most recent write in campaign to the USPS with hundreds of signatories.

\'HAF is proud to have been a part of what truly was a grassroots community effort,\' said Suhag A. Shukla, Esq., HAF Executive Director and Legal Counsel. \'The issuance of the Diwali stamp symbolizes several important things: it displays the strength of the Hindu American community when we unite behind a cause; it celebrates the contributions of our community to America; and most importantly, it acknowledges the strength our country draws from its diversity. This year and for many more, diyas and spirits will shine brighter, as will greetings cards and gift packages sent donning the Diwali stamp.\'

Diwali is a Hindu festival, celebrated globally, signifying victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. By the Western calendar the date varies year to year, falling on the night of the new moon occurring from mid-October to mid-November.

ABOUT HAF

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an advocacy organization for the Hindu American community. The Foundation educates the public about Hinduism, speaks out about issues affecting Hindus worldwide, and builds bridges with institutions and individuals whose work aligns with HAF\'s objectives. HAF focuses on human and civil rights, public policy, media, academia, and interfaith relations. Through its advocacy efforts, HAF seeks to cultivate leaders and empower future generations of Hindu Americans.

The Hindu American Foundation is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradayas (Hindu religious traditions) regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, caste, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability.

Diwali Honored by New USPS Forever Stamp