Canada PostB次元官网网址檚 new stamp celebrating Diwali was created with the help of a business owner with deep roots in Surrey.

Kamal Sharma was an advisor for the creation of the special rangoli-patterned stamp, which was designed by Seung Jai Paek.

The Diwali stamps and collectibles are and post offices across Canada starting Oct. 19.

B次元官网网址淟ayers of symbolism are woven into the eye-catching rangoli pattern on this stamp heralding the arrival of Diwali on November 4,B次元官网网址� the website notes. B次元官网网址淎 time to reflect, overcome negativity, and spread light and love, the five-day festival is observed by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and others around the world.B次元官网网址�

A Vancouver resident, Sharma runs Surrey-based , which stages local concerts and produces television shows. He also operates the long-established KamalB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址 Palace, on Scott Road.

B次元官网网址淐anada Post asked me to be involved about six months ago, on an advisory board with other people across Canada,B次元官网网址� Sharma told the Now-Leader. B次元官网网址淚t was quite an honour, and in return they acknowledged us on the stamp book cover.B次元官网网址�

Sharma tweeted photos of the stamp and also posted on .

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e gotten such incredible response to the stamp, with hundreds of people complimenting it and congratulating me, saying itB次元官网网址檚 the most beautiful stamp ever,B次元官网网址� Sharma said. B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 very, very beautiful.B次元官网网址�

Designer Paek layered the commemorative stampB次元官网网址檚 rangoli pattern with meaning, and studied hundreds of rangolis before B次元官网网址渄evising this clever concept to convey the spirit of Diwali,B次元官网网址� according to Canada Post.

B次元官网网址淎 lotus flower, symbolic of new beginnings, forms both the outline and inset of the rangoli,B次元官网网址� the website notes. B次元官网网址淎 ring of heart-shaped lamps or diyas, commonly lit during the festival, expresses love and gratitude. In the centre, an Indian spice box called a masala dabba alludes to the food shared during Diwali. The rich golds in the design evoke a sense of wealth, while the stream of light in the background represents the gods illuminating the path to peace and prosperity.B次元官网网址�

Rangolis are an important part of Diwali celebrations. Drawn on floors in entranceways, living rooms and courtyards using flower petals, coloured sand and other materials, these temporary works of art are traditionally created to invite Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, into celebrantsB次元官网网址� homes.

The new stamp is Canada PostB次元官网网址檚 third Diwali stamp since 2017. The first release was a joint issue with India Post.

The 2021 stamp is available in 10-stamp booklets with a print run of 80,000 booklets.

, designed by Entro Communications, featured a diya and a geometric background evocative of a traditional rangoli.

tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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