WHAT:

Special Dedication Ceremony for the Diwali Forever stampat Diwali Mela 2016.

WHO:

Steven Hernandez – USPS Northern New Jersey District Manager
Anthony LoPrinzi – Postmaster, Hackensack NJ
Priua Israni – President, India Heritage Center, Mahwah NJ
Vini Melwani – Vice President India Heritage Center, Mahwah NJ
Ranju Batra - Chair, Diwali Stamp Project
Allison Macri – Vocalist
Manish Israni – Vocalist
Melanie Matthews – Postmaster Allendale NJ
Tracey Hollingsworth – Project Coordinator, USPS Northern NJ District

WHEN:

Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Overpeck County Park
40 Fort Lee Road
Leonia NJ 07605
The event is free and open to the general public

BACKGROUND:  The Hackensack Post Office and the India Heritage Center are commemorating the joyous festival of Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali, with a special stamp dedication ceremony at the Heritage Center’s Diwali Mela 2016 in Bergen County.

One of the most important annual Hindu events, the holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The stamp features a photograph of a traditional diya — a small flickering lamp made from a bowl filled with oil — and flower petals against a glimmering gold background. “Diwali” in white type is featured underneath the diya. During Diwali, diyas dot the homes of observers around the world.

Diwali is an important festival in several religions, including Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Spanning five days each autumn, Diwali is considered by some to be the start of the new year. In 2016, Diwali will be celebrated on Oct. 29 for South Indians and Oct. 30 for North Indians. The First-Day-of-Issue ceremony took place Oct. 5 at the Consulate General of India in New York City.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.