Detailed Description
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In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service® commemorates the joyous festival of Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali. One of the most important annual Hindu events, the holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Spanning five days each autumn, it is considered by some to be the start of the new year.
Diwali is a shortened version of the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which roughly translates as “a necklace of lights.” During Diwali flickering oil-wick lamps called diyas dot the homes of observers around the world. The stamp features a traditional diya against a background of glimmering gold and flower petals.
The meaning of Diwali often depends on regional identity on the Indian subcontinent, but Hindu stories provide a framework for the significance of the festival. For many people in the north of India, the holiday honors the return of Rama, an incarnation or avatar of the god Vishnu, after a long period of exile. For some in the south of India, it marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Krishna, another incarnation of Vishnu. Others commemorate Vishnu’s decision to make King Bali ruler of the underworld.
Before the festival, many Hindus go shopping; clean their homes; open their doors and windows; create intricate rangoli, a vibrant floor pattern traditionally made from materials such as rice powder, colored sand, and flower petals; and light diyas with hopes that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, will visit. In some regions of India, people gamble and play games, just as Hindu lore says that deity Shiva did. On the festive main day of the holiday, families pray to Lakshmi, dress up in their best clothes, enjoy lavish feasts and sweets, exchange gifts, and light fireworks. Diwali also marks the new year for people in Gujarat and a few other states in India.
Diwali is an important festival in several religions. Buddhists honor ancient Indian Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism. Jains commemorate the teacher Mahavira's attainment of liberation from the cycle of life and death. Sikhs celebrate the freeing of guru Hargobind from captivity.
On the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the eve of or on the new moon that occurs between mid-October and mid-November. In 2016, the main day of the festival will be celebrated on October 29 (for South Indians) and October 30 (for North Indians).
Abbreviations
Multiple Variations
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Pre-order item
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Large/Special Order
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Shipping & Handling Time
Most of the items (except Pre-order items and FDC) will be sent out within 1 business day after you pay the invoice. Please review the positive feedback from the buyers. The actual delivery time varies due to the destination.
Shipping & Handling Fee
I am trying to offer the lowest shipping fee if possible. The item will be sent out via USPS standard mail (or first class mail) with no tracking number. I will take a picture of the package as proof of delivery. The shipping fee is listed as below -
Combined Shipping Discount
The combined shipping discount can be applied only on the items showing up in the same invoice. Each eligible additional item will be charged an additional of USD $0.10 as the shipping fee. If you have any question, please check with me before you pay. I will always get back to you within 12 hours.
Important tips to save shipping fee -
If you are purchasing multiple stamps through "Buy it now" option, please make sure all the items are in the basket before any payment. Please review the invoice carefully to ensure all the items are listed there so that eBay System can apply the combined shipping discount properly.
Otherwise, eBay / PayPal will charge the FULL shipping fee for each item and they withhold the transaction fee & commission based on FULL shipping payment. There is no easy way to refund the difference unless we cancel all the transactions one by one.
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Package Loss Responsibilities
In order to provide the lowest shipping fee, I am sending all items by USPS standard mail without tracking number. I cannot hold responsible if the packet is lost due to postage. If you need extra shipping protection, please consider the following options and let me know before you pay -
US Stamps Plate Number
The actual plate number of the US Stamps may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate number shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.
US Stamp Sheets Plate Position
The actual plate position of the US Stamp Sheets may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate position shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.