Sending Money to India for Pongal
How to send money to family in India for Pongal. Timing tips, best rates, and how Root gets your transfer there on time.
Pongal, the vibrant Tamil harvest festival, is a time for gratitude, family, and tradition. For NRIs in the USA, sending money home for Pongal is a heartfelt way to participate in the celebrations from afar. This guide helps you send funds smoothly, avoid delays, and understand key rules like TCS and bank requirements so your family receives your gift on time.
Pongal is a four-day festival typically celebrated from January 14–17, aligning with the solar calendar and the start of Uttarayan. Families prepare sweet and savory Pongal dishes, clean and decorate their homes, and offer thanks for the harvest. NRIs send money to support these celebrations, helping loved ones buy essentials, gifts, and gold, maintaining connection despite the distance.
Tips for Sending on Time
Send Early to Beat Pongal Rush
Initiate your transfer at least 5–7 business days before January 14 to account for bank processing and holiday volume, ensuring funds arrive before Pongal begins.
Include TCS in Amount Planning
If your cumulative remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 in the financial year, 5% TCS will apply. Factor this in to ensure your family receives the intended amount.
Confirm IFSC Code and Account Type
Double-check the recipient’s IFSC code and ensure it’s an NRO or savings account (NRE support coming soon). Errors cause delays or failed transfers.
How to Send — Step by Step
Log in to Your Root Account
Access your Root app or website. If you’re new, sign up using your US ID and NRI details.
Pro tip: Verify your identity early to avoid delays during high-volume Pongal season.
Enter Recipient’s Bank Details
Add your family member’s full name, Indian bank account number, and correct 11-digit IFSC code. Confirm it’s an NRO or regular savings account.
Pro tip: Use your bank’s IFSC lookup tool or ask your recipient to confirm details from their passbook.
Enter Transfer Amount in USD
Choose how much you want to send. Root shows the live INR equivalent. Remember: transfers over ₹7,00,000 in a financial year may incur 5% TCS.
Pro tip: Check if your total LRS usage (by recipient) affects reporting — though NRIs sending money aren't limited by LRS.
Review Exchange Rate and Fees
Root offers zero transfer fees and displays the mid-market exchange rate. Confirm the final amount your family will receive.
Pro tip: Compare CHECK_LIVE to bank rates — most banks add hidden markups.
Confirm and Send
Review all details, accept terms, and submit your transfer. You’ll get a tracking reference.
Pro tip: Send before January 8 to ensure pre-Pongal delivery, especially for rural areas.
Make Pongal Special for Your Family in India
Send money with Root — zero fees, delivered in 1-4 business days.
Send for PongalFrequently Asked Questions
Will my Pongal money arrive in time if I send it on January 10?
Most transfers via Root are delivered in 1–4 business days. Sending on January 10 may still arrive in time for Pongal (Jan 14), but rural banks may take longer. Earlier transfers are safer.
Does 5% TCS apply to my Pongal gift?
Yes, if your total remittances to India exceed ₹7,00,000 in the financial year (April–March), 5% TCS is collected at source. The recipient can claim credit when filing Indian taxes.
Can I send money for Pongal to any bank in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, Root supports transfers to any Indian bank that accepts inward remittances, including public, private, and cooperative banks in Tamil Nadu, as long as you have the correct IFSC code and account number.
Do my family need PAN to receive my Pongal transfer?
For large transfers, Indian banks may require the recipient’s PAN for compliance. While not always mandatory, providing it helps prevent processing delays.
Is there a US excise tax on my Pongal money transfer?
As of early 2026, the proposed 1% US excise tax on international wire transfers has NOT been enacted. You won’t pay US excise tax, but always verify current regulations before sending.