AKIPRESS.COM - A stamp with an Indian 'diya' or lamp on its face was launched by the US postal service at the Indian consulate today to commemorate the festival of Diwali. The stamp shows a traditional 'diya' lit against a sparkling background, and the words 'Forever USA 2016' written below, reports PTI.

The release stamp marks the end of a seven-year-long effort by influential Indian-Americans to get Diwali recognised as a cultural holiday at par with Christmas and the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
The release of the stamp was attended by India's Consul General Riva Ganguly, US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and India's former diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, among others.

"It has taken many years of hard work and advocacy but light has finally triumphed. Today Diwali joins the ranks of other major religions and cultural holidays such as Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid," Ms Maloney said.

She also said that getting the stamp approved involved tireless advocacy, including meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and personal appeals to President Barack Obama.