In a clear pitch for multiculturalism, the Canada Post has issued an Eid stamp that recognises Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims in Canada and elsewhere.

The stamps were unveiled at events with members of the Muslim communities in Montréal, Quebec and Richmond Hill, Ontario.

The issuing of the stamp reflects the multiculturalism in Canada . Only 3.2% of the 35.25 million population are Muslims. Montréal and the Greater Toronto Area are home to more than half of the more than 1 million Muslims in Canada.

On its website, Canada Post said “Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which Muslims fast from dawn until dusk – one of the most distinctive practices of Islam. Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, falls on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, Shawwal (around June 26, 2017, in Canada).”

“The stamp is being issued a month ahead of Eid al-Fitr. On the day of Eid, many Muslims congregate in mosques or in open spaces, where they will perform a special ritual prayer prescribed for Eid. People dress in their finest clothes, decorate their homes with lights, give treats to children, and visit with friends and family.”

It gave a similar description about Eid-ul-Adha calling it the Festival of Sacrifice, Muslims commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

“The festival also marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest site in Islam. It falls on the tenth day of the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah (around September 2, 2017, depending on when the new moon is seen).”

“Like Eid al-Fitr, this celebration can include special ritual prayers, lavish meals, and visits with friends and family. It also includes gift-giving and acts of charity,” it added.

The Arabic script on the stamp reads “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a Happy Eid” or “Have a blessed Eid.” It appears under a pointed arch, which symbolises the division between sacred and worldly space in Muslim culture. The stamp’s deep blues and warm gold and yellows, as well as its geometric pattern, are seen in Islamic architecture. The new moon atop the stamp signifies the start of Eid.

The stamp is designed by Doreen Colonello and Erin Enns of Entro Communications and printed by Colour Innovations; this Permanent domestic-rate stamp measures 28 mm by 35 mm, is printed in six colours plus a varnish, and is available in booklets of 10. The Official First Day Cover is cancelled in Toronto, ON. A collectable framed enlargement is also available.

With around 63,000 employees, Canada Post is the fifth largest employer in Canada.