Sending Money to India for Diwali
How to send money to family in India for Diwali. Timing tips, best rates, and how Root gets your transfer there on time.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a cherished time for NRIs in the USA to reconnect with family in India and share in the joy of the celebrations. Sending money home for Diwali helps loved ones buy gifts, sweets, decorations, and new clothes. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to send funds safely and on time. From regulatory details to timing tips, we've got you covered so your Diwali gift arrives with love and zero hassle.
Diwali typically falls between October and November, with celebrations lasting five days. It marks the victory of light over darkness and is observed with prayers, fireworks, feasts, and gift-giving. For NRIs, sending money during Diwali is a heartfelt way to contribute to the festivities and show care from afar, especially when they can’t be home in person.
Tips for Sending on Time
Send Early to Beat Surge
Start your transfer at least 7–10 days before Diwali. High transaction volumes and Indian bank holidays can delay processing times, so early sending ensures your money arrives on time.
Factor in TCS for Large Transfers
If your total remittances to India exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year, 5% TCS will apply. This is collected at source and can impact the net amount received — plan accordingly for larger Diwali gifts.
Confirm IFSC Code & Account Type
Ensure the recipient’s IFSC code and account number are correct. Root supports NRO and regular savings/current accounts; NRE support is coming soon.
Check PAN Requirements
Some Indian banks require the recipient’s PAN for transfers above ₹50,000. While not always enforced, providing it upfront avoids compliance delays, especially during high-volume festivals like Diwali.
How to Send — Step by Step
Download the Root App
Get started by downloading Root from the App Store or Google Play. The signup process takes just a few minutes with your US ID and address.
Pro tip: Enable notifications to stay updated on your transfer status.
Verify Your Identity
Upload your US driver's license or passport to complete identity verification. This is required under FEMA and US anti-money laundering rules.
Pro tip: Verification usually takes under 24 hours — do this as soon as possible.
Add Recipient in India
Enter your family member’s full name, Indian bank name, account number, and IFSC code. Double-check spelling and digits to prevent return delays.
Pro tip: Ask the recipient to confirm their bank branch IFSC — a single wrong character can halt the transfer.
Enter Amount & Lock Exchange Rate
Input the USD amount you want to send. Root shows the live USD to INR rate — lock it in to protect against market fluctuations before Diwali rates shift.
Pro tip: Larger amounts may trigger TCS — see next step for details.
Review TCS & Confirm Transfer
If your total LRS remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in the financial year, 5% TCS will be deducted. Root will notify you clearly before you confirm the send.
Pro tip: This tax is refundable against your annual income tax liability in India if applicable — consult an Indian tax advisor.
Track Delivery
Root typically deposits funds in 1–4 business days. Track your transfer in-app and share the confirmation with family so they know when to expect it.
Pro tip: Avoid sending on weekends or US/Indian holidays — processing pauses during bank closures.
Make Diwali Special for Your Family in India
Send money with Root — zero fees, delivered in 1-4 business days.
Send for DiwaliFrequently Asked Questions
How early should I send Diwali money to India?
Send at least 7–10 business days before Diwali. Indian banks may have holiday closures, and high volumes can slow processing. Starting early ensures your gift arrives on time.
Is 5% TCS applied on all Diwali transfers?
No. 5% TCS applies only if your total remittances under LRS exceed ₹7,00,000 ($8,400 approx) in the financial year (April–March). It's not per transaction, but annual cumulative.
Can I send Diwali money to an NRE account with Root?
Currently, Root supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is not yet available but will be added soon.
Are there any US taxes on sending money to India for Diwali?
No US gift tax applies if you're sending under $18,000 annually to an individual (2025 limit). The proposed 1% US Excise Tax on international wires was not enacted as of early 2026, but monitor updates.
What details do I need to send money to India for Diwali?
You’ll need the recipient’s full name, Indian bank name, account number, and 11-digit IFSC code. Having their PAN helps avoid compliance delays for larger amounts.