Lighting Up the Mailbox: USPS Announces New 2026 Diwali Stamp

Bhutada, who has been creating rangoli art for over two decades, said the design draws inspiration from the intricate patterns seen during Diwali celebrations. The stamp will be available for purchase starting in late 2026 at post offices nationwide and online.

The Diwali stamp is part of USPS's ongoing series of holiday stamps that recognize cultural diversity. Previous stamps have honored other festivals, including Lunar New Year and Eid. The 2026 stamp marks the first time a rangoli design has been used on a U.S. postage stamp.

The Forever stamp will be sold at the standard first-class mail rate and can be used for any future postage increases. USPS officials said the stamp aims to reflect the growing Indian American community in the United States, which numbers over 4 million.

Bhutada's artwork was selected from a pool of submissions by a panel of USPS art directors and cultural advisors. The final design was digitally enhanced to ensure clarity at stamp size while retaining the essence of the original rangoli.