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Updated: Sep 22, 2017 23:02 IST

India and Canada have unveiled their first joint stamp, as the countries simultaneously issued stamps to celebrate the festival of Diwali.

The Canadian event to mark this collaborative release was held in Toronto on Thursday and was attended by Canada Post president and CEO Deepak Chopra, India’s high commissioner Vikas Swarup, India’s consul general in Toronto Dinesh Bhatia and Toronto mayor John Tory.

“The Diwali stamps express our pride in Canada being a land of diverse faiths, customs and celebrations. It is fitting that this historic first joint issue celebrates the strong relationship between Canada and India,” Chopra said.

The Indian version of the Diwali stamp launched jointly by Canada and India. ( Courtesy Canada Post )

The official first day cover was cancelled in Toronto. The stamps were designed by Doreen Colonello of Entro Communications and India Post.

A similar event was held in New Delhi and was attended by Canada’s envoy Nadir Patel and chief postmaster general (Delhi) LN Sharma.

Both versions of the stamp feature diyas, the traditional Diwali lamps, with fireworks in the background.