Sending Money to India for Raksha Bandhan
How to send money to family in India for Raksha Bandhan. Timing tips, best rates, and how Root gets your transfer there on time.
Raksha Bandhan is a cherished celebration of the bond between siblings, especially meaningful for NRIs in the USA who wish to honor their brothers and sisters back home. Sending money to India for Rakhi ensures your loved ones feel your presence, even from afar. This guide helps you send funds smoothly, avoid common delays, and stay informed about regulations like TCS and IFSC requirements. Learn how to send with confidence and make this festival memorable.
Raksha Bandhan typically falls in August, during the Hindu month of Shravana. It's celebrated with sisters tying a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, who in return give a gift or money as a token of love. NRIs often send money to India to join the occasion emotionally and financially, especially when they can't be home to celebrate in person.
Tips for Sending on Time
Send Early to Ensure On-Time Delivery
Initiate your transfer at least 5–7 business days before Raksha Bandhan to account for bank processing and potential delays during peak festive volume.
Check IFSC Code Accuracy
Even a single incorrect character in the IFSC code can delay or reject your transfer. Confirm it directly with your recipient through their bank app or passbook.
Factor in TCS for Large Transfers
If your total remittances to India exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year, a 5% TCS will apply on the excess amount. Plan accordingly when sending larger Rakhi gifts.
Consider the Emotional Value Over Amount
Even a modest amount sent with thoughtfulness strengthens family bonds. Add a personal message via Root to make it more meaningful.
How to Send — Step by Step
Download Root & Complete Verification
Create your Root account and complete identity verification using your US ID and SSN. This ensures you're set to send anytime.
Pro tip: Verification usually takes under 24 hours — do this well before Raksha Bandhan week.
Add a Recipient in India
Enter your sibling’s full name, Indian bank name, account number, and correct IFSC code. Double-check for accuracy.
Pro tip: Save multiple siblings as recipients if you plan to send to more than one.
Enter the Amount in USD or INR
Choose how much you'd like to send. Root shows the live exchange rate so you see exactly how much reaches India.
Pro tip: Remember: transfers above ₹7,00,000 in a financial year will attract 5% TCS at source.
Select Payment Method
Fund your transfer via linked bank account or debit card. Bank transfers are free but take 1–2 days to process.
Pro tip: For fastest funding, use an ACH-linked US bank account.
Review & Confirm Transfer
Check all details — especially the IFSC and amount. Once confirmed, Root locks in the rate and starts processing.
Pro tip: You’ll get real-time updates via email and app notifications.
Track & Share with Sibling
Monitor delivery status in-app. Once credited, message your sibling to let them know their Rakhi gift has arrived.
Pro tip: Pair your transfer with a video call on Raksha Bandhan day to make it extra special.
Make Raksha Bandhan Special for Your Family in India
Send money with Root — zero fees, delivered in 1-4 business days.
Send for Raksha BandhanFrequently Asked Questions
How early should I send money for Raksha Bandhan?
Aim to send at least 5–7 business days before Raksha Bandhan. This ensures your funds arrive on time, even with unexpected bank delays during peak festive traffic.
Is there a limit on how much money I can send to India for Rakhi?
There’s no specific cap for gifts like Raksha Bandhan, but TCS of 5% applies on cumulative remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 in a financial year (Apr–Mar). You can still send up to $250,000 annually under FEMA rules for permissible purposes.
Do I need to pay taxes in the US when sending money to India for Rakhi?
No US gift tax applies if you're sending under $18,000 per recipient annually (2024–2025 exclusion). Also, the US Excise Tax on international wires was proposed but not enacted as of early 2026.
Which bank account type in India can I send to for Raksha Bandhan?
Root currently supports transfers to NRO, savings, and current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. Confirm the correct account type with your recipient to avoid return delays.
Can my sibling in India receive the money directly in cash?
No, transfers via Root go directly to the recipient’s bank account. Encourage your sibling to check their balance online or via mobile banking once the transfer is complete.
What should I do if the IFSC code is wrong?
An incorrect IFSC may cause rejection or delay. Contact Root support immediately. If the amount hasn’t been debited from your account, we can cancel and re-initiate with the correct code.