US 5142 Diwali F block 4 MNH 2016

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

5142

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Block

Item Description

Grade: VF (Very Fine)
Detailed DescriptionIt is a stock image only. If you want to see the picture of the actual stamp, please check with me before you bid or place the order.This item includes one block of 4 stamps as shown in the picture.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). AbbreviationsDCP - Digital Color PostmarkFDC - First Day Coverhorz - horizontalimperf - imperforatedMNH - Mint Never HingedNDC - No Die CutNMS - Non Machineable SurchargePNC - Plate Number Coilvert - verticalWAG - water activated gumMultiple VariationsIf you see a OR sign in the picture, this means there are multiple variations available for this item. The item consists of ONLY ONE of the variations as shown in the picture, not all variations. I will send out any one based on availability. If you want to specify any particular variation, please check with me before you bid the item or place the order.Pre-order itemFor any pre-order item, I will always ship it out together with everything on the same invoice once it is available. If you want other items arrive earlier, please let me know and I will split the invoice before you pay.Large/Special OrderIf you have any special order (large quantities, special stamps), please check with me directly. I have not posted everything due to the limited Hip store space.Shipping & Handling TimeMost 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 FeeI 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 -First item (USA) - between USD $1.17 and USD $2.29, depends on the sizeFirst Item (International) - between USD $1.83 and USD $5.84, depends on the destinationEach eligible additional item (USA / International) - USD $0.10 (see combined shipping discount), independent of size and destinationCombined Shipping DiscountThe 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 Hip System can apply the combined shipping discount properly.Otherwise, Hip / 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.If you have any question, please check with me before any payment.Package Loss ResponsibilitiesIn 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 -Shipping Tracking Number - an extra of USD $1.00 per invoiceRegistered mail with signature - between USD $10.00 and USD $15.00, please check with me before you pay.US Stamps Plate NumberThe 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 PositionThe 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.

Seller Information

Seller

msfong (28705)

Registered Since

04/25/2013

Feedback

99.9%

Store

Fongan

• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No