Israel - India Joint Issue…

20 Years of Diplomatic Relations

     

Deepawali

Date of Issue : 12 December 2012

Hanukkah

Hi !

Here are two beautiful stamps  to be issued by Israel Post in December this year.Israel Post will issue this  set of two stamps to commemorate 20 years of Diplomatic Relations with India featuring Festivals of Lights in India  ( Deepawali ) and Israel ( Hanukkah ) .

This is a wonderful set, a great delight  for Indians !! My sincere thanks to Dr Eli Moallem of Jerusalem for this Post !!

Festival of Lights in Israel and India

Hanukkah Menorah

Hanukkah also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish festivalcommemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple  in Jerusalem at the time of theMaccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash  and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden.

Diyas ( Olil lamps) of Deepawali

Diwali  or Deepavali, popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a festival celebrated between mid-October or mid- November . For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes with crackers and lighting oil lamps and candles.

The name "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali" which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. .

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers.