Diwali (Deepavali) is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated annually in India and other countries where there are sizeable Hindu populations. Also known as the Festival of Lights, it represents the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Diwali is celebrated through vibrant public displays of fireworks, but also through private rituals such as cleaning, gift-giving, feasting, and the lighting of small, cup-shaped clay lamps known as diyas.
On 17 October 2017, Australia Post will release a postal numismatic cover (PNC) that showcases this widely celebrated festival. The cover houses a Perth Mint uncirculated $1 coin. The coin’s reverse incorporates a coloured rendition of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of good fortune and prosperity. Lakshmi is sitting on a lotus flower with gold coins pouring out of her hands, to symbolise both material and spiritual wealth. In Hinduism, the lotus flower symbolises, among other things, prosperity, beauty and eternity.
The cover includes a $1 Red Rose Heart stamp from the Love to Celebrate stamp issue. The stamp tab includes an image of lit diya surrounded by a mandala pattern, which in Hinduism symbolises the universe.
The Diwali PNC is available now, online, at participating Post Offices and via mail order on 1800 331 794, while stocks last.
This article was produced at the time of publication and will not be updated.
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