CANADA, September 20, 2016 (Canada Mint): The Canadian Mint has issued a Diwali coin by Canadian artist Meera Sethi. The coin is inspired by the colorful Indian folk art of Rangoli, which traditionally adorns entrances and floors during Diwali. Within the geometric and floral-inspired pattern lie numerous cultural symbols that represent the “Festival of Lights” as a cherished multi-ethnic celebration–one that is very much at home in Canada, where it is celebrated by Indo-Canadians across the country.
Roughly 51% of Indo-Canadians reside in the Greater Toronto Area, while Vancouver is home to Canada’s second-largest population; these important communities are represented by each province’s official floral emblem: the trillium and the Pacific dogwood, respectively. Key spiritual symbols–such as those associated with Sikhism and Jainism–surround a ring of clay lamps, which light up homes and hearts during Diwali. The most widely known Canadian symbol, the beloved maple leaf, forms an inner ring around the sacred symbol “OM”–that eternal sound of creation–which is positioned in the centre to release spiritual energy in all directions. [The queen, naturally, is on the other side, in case you’re wondering.]
The one ounce coin issued in gold (US$2,119.84) and the differently designed coin in silver ($69.62), can be ordered at “source” above. (The spot price today for an ounce of gold is $1,336.20, and for silver $19.96.)