New Zealand:Shubh Diwali

Diwali is the most celebrated Hindu festival in New Zealand. It is known as the festival of lights, and symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. For some, it is the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year. .

Issue Description
The first of the five days of Diwali is Dhanteras (Dun-te-rus), a day spent shopping for gold or silver, new clothing and gifts. The following day is spent decorating the home to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi (depicted here) who brings good fortune and prosperity. The third and main day of the festival usually includes a feast and fireworks, with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Day four is dedicated to visiting friends and family, distributing trays of mithai (mee-tay) - sweets – and exchanging gifts. Bhai Dhooj, dedicated solely to the strong bond between a brother and a sister, marks the end of Diwali.

The true essence of Diwali is in finding positivity in the moment and being grateful for health and happiness. Large-scale celebrations aren't necessary; what's important is cherishing time spent with those close to you.

Issue Details
Featured here is a Rangoli decoration, and each the four stamps represents one of the ways in which Diwali is celebrated.

Stamps
Diya (NZ$1.50)

Customarily, houses and shops are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called diya (dee-aa). Diyas are placed in rows along windowsills and doorways to help guide Lakshmi, the Goddess of luck and prosperity, into their homes.

Fireworks (NZ$2.80)

During Diwali, friends and family get together and celebrate through worship, lights, festive food and fireworks that symbolically light up the night sky.

Laddu (NZ$3.60)

This Indian sweet is a favourite treat served during Diwali and often given as an offering to Lakshmi.

Rangoli (NZ$4.10)

Rangoli (rung-oh-lee), a colourful sand art hand designed on the ground, is used to decorate the home during Diwali. It is believed that a household with a clean entrance and rangoli décor will welcome the Goddess Lakshmi into the home, bringing with her good fortune and prosperity.

Miniature Sheet
The Shubh Diwali Miniature Sheet consists of the four stamps from the issue incorporated into a Miniature Stamp Sheet.

First Day Covers
The first First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the four stamps from the issue affixed and postmarked. The second First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the Minisheet from the stamp issue affixed and postmarked.