It took petitions from everyone from schoolchildren to members of Congress, and 12 years of waiting. Soon, a stickum-backed reality of less than a square inch: a new postage stamp recognizing the holiday of Diwali.
The stamp, announced by the U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday, will be the first stamp honoring the Hindu religion, joining U.S. postage that has marked Christian, Jewish and Muslim holidays in the past.
Members of the Hindu community and their supporters have asked for years to join the long list of themes that have inspired stamp art – from Janis Joplin to Jimi Hendrix to Charlie Brown.
Diwali, which is celebrated with gifts, feasts and fireworks in addition to the traditional lamps depicted on the stamp, falls on the new moon between mid-October and mid-November each year. The Postal Service said it will start issuing the stamps Oct. 5.
The Durango Friends Meeting will discuss their partnership with La Plata County Thrive Living Wage Coalition at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Quaker meeting house, 803 County Road 233.
The discussion will focus on what it means for a congregation to be an interfaith partner. All are welcome to attend.
For more information, visit www.durangoquakers.org.
St. Columba Parish welcomes inactive Catholics who would like to return to the church.
The Landings program allows people to explore their faith and spirituality with a small group of active parishioners at the church who are exploring their own faith journey.
For more information, call Cathy 247-0044 or email landings@stcolumbacatholic.org.
The Carmelitas of St. Peter-St. Rosa Catholic Church will host a yard sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 10 in the church parking lot at 18851 Highway 151 in Arboles.
Proceeds will help cover church expenses. Attendees are asked to arrive no earlier than 9 a.m. For more information, call 883-3330.
Herald Staff & Washington Post
