Two US lawmakers call for Diwali commemorative stamp

Two influential US lawmakers have submitted a bipartisan Senate resolution calling for the US Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of the holiday of Diwali.

Virginia Democrat Mark and Texas Republican John Cornyn are co-chairs of Senate India Caucus, a forum for senators to work with Indian government officials and Indian-Americans in promoting US-India bilateral relations.

"This commemorative stamp is an important recognition of the significance of Diwali to the more than three million Indian Americans and one billion Indians worldwide who celebrate this holiday," Warner said.

"A stamp commemorating Diwali is a significant and meaningful way to honor the importance of the Festival of Lights to so many Indian Americans, both in Texas and across the country," Cornyn said.

Diwali, also known as the "festival of lights," is an Indian holiday that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, the resolution noted.

It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the awareness of one's inner light, the dispelling of ignorance, and bringing peace and joy through the awakening gained from a higher knowledge.

The US Postal Service has issued stamps to honor other popular holidays in the United States, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Eid ul-Fitr.