Pallone calls for issuance of postal stamp commemmorating Diwali

Washington, Feb 1 (UNI) Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone has introduced a legislation in the U S House of Representatives urging the country's Postal Service to issue a stamp honouring Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.

Mr Pallone said ''an estimated 1.5 million Indian Americans celebrate Diwali, which traditionally takes place for five days during the early fall months of September and October. The festival is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists and is considered a time for communal gatherings and spiritual enlightenment.'' He said the Diwali stamp proposal has received widespread community support.

Diwali also marks the beginning of the Hindu Financial Year.

''I feel that Diwali is truly a marvelous holiday that deserves recognition,'' Mr Pallone said and added ''as the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee continues its plans for issuing new stamps, I hope that it will consider issuing a Diwali stamp to honour this culturally significant holiday celebrated in the United States and abroad.'' The Citizen's Stamp Advisory Commission under the U S Postal Service currently issues many stamps with holiday themes, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid.

UNI