The ancient Hindu ‘festival of lights’, Diwali is celebrated by millions around the world, including also Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, in October or November each year. During this five-day period, festival goers take part in puja (prayers), often kneeling before Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, to seek her divine blessing. A remarkable keepsake to celebrate the occasion or a delightful gift, this intricately coloured first day cover honours traditional depictions of the deity with an appealing design.

Divine Design

The reverse of the coin features a coloured representation of Lakshmi sitting on a lotus flower, a traditional symbol of enlightenment and purity, against a decorated panel. The goddess holds lotus flowers and is dropping coins from one of her four palms into a bowl at her feet. Also included in the design is a background pattern of flowers, the inscription ‘happy diwali’ and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Official Commemorative Postal Numismatic Cover

The coin is housed in a brightly coloured card and envelope featuring stylised depictions of oil lamps, known as diyas, which are traditionally lit during Diwali. The envelope is affixed with an official celebratory Australia Post $1 stamp and a Happy Diwali stamp portraying Lakshmi. The postal numismatic cover incorporates with a themed postmark for the first date of issue, 23 July 2019, and declares ‘shubh dipavali’ or happy diwali.