US Issues New Diwali Forever Stamp Featuring Rangoli Created by Indian Artist Sangita Bhutada
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The United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a new Forever stamp celebrating Diwali, featuring an intricate rangoli created by Indian artist Sangita Bhutada, bringing a traditional Indian art form to millions of mail recipients across the country.
The stamp was officially unveiled on October 21, 2026, at the Embassy of India in Washington DC, in the presence of Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and USPS senior vice-president Shibani Gambhir.
The release marks the second time the US Postal Service has dedicated a stamp to Diwali. The first such stamp was issued in 2016.
Indian Artist's Rangoli Takes Centre Stage
The stamp features an elaborate eight-foot rangoli designed by Sangita Bhutada, an Indian-origin artist based in the Houston area of Texas.
Bhutada has practised the traditional Indian art form for nearly 30 years. Her design uses blue, orange, green, red and white colours against a purple background.
Created using coloured sand and starch-based powders, the rangoli took between eight and 10 days to complete.
Photographer Bijay Dixit captured the original artwork, which was adapted into the stamp design by Jennifer Arnold. William J Gicker served as the project's art director.
20 Million Stamps Printed
The USPS has printed 20 million copies of the Diwali stamp, which are being sold in sheets of 20.
Each stamp carries a value of 82 US cents, while a sheet of 20 costs $16.40.
The stamp belongs to the USPS Forever series, meaning it remains valid for mailing a one-ounce First-Class letter within the US even if postal rates increase in the future.
Second Diwali Stamp After 2016
The latest release follows the USPS's first Diwali commemorative stamp, issued in 2016. The new design continues the postal service's recognition of cultural festivals and traditions celebrated by communities across the United States.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Rangoli, traditionally made using coloured powders, rice, sand and flower petals, is an important part of household celebrations across India.
The artwork by Bhutada brings this familiar festive tradition to an international platform, highlighting the contribution of Indian artists and the cultural heritage of the Indian diaspora in the US.
The 2026 Diwali stamp is also the first new design honouring the festival since 2016.
