Sending a Rakhi or gift to your brother through India Post will now cost more.
Just before Raksha Bandhan, the Indian Postal Department has increased the charges for parcels and Speed Post services. The revised rates came into effect from August 1, 2026.
So, if you are planning to send a Rakhi, sweets, clothes or gifts through the post office, it is important to check the new charges before booking.
Parcel Charges Increased Sharply
The biggest change has been made to the starting 500-gram parcel category.
Earlier, sending a parcel weighing up to 500 grams cost ₹42. Under the new rates, the charge has increased depending on the destination.
The revised charges are:
Within the same state: ₹77
To metropolitan areas: ₹82
To other states: ₹84
GST will be charged separately on these amounts.
This means the starting price for a 500-gram parcel has increased significantly compared with the earlier ₹42 charge.
Speed Post Also Becomes More Expensive
India Post has also increased Speed Post charges.
Earlier, sending a Speed Post item weighing up to 20 grams cost ₹42.
The new charge is ₹56, which means customers will now pay ₹14 more for the basic weight category.
The cost will increase further depending on the weight and destination of the item.
Why Has India Post Changed the Rates?
According to postal officials, this is the first major revision of parcel service charges in several years.
Under the new system, the price will not depend only on the weight of the parcel.
The distance and destination region will also play a role in deciding the final charge.
As a result, two parcels weighing the same amount could have different prices if they are being sent to different locations.
Rakhi Gifts Could Become More Expensive
The timing of the price hike is important because Raksha Bandhan is a major period for sending parcels.
Many people use India Post to send Rakhis, sweets, clothes and gifts to family members living in other cities or countries.
The higher charges could therefore increase the overall cost of sending these festive gifts.
People sending smaller parcels should also be careful because the price can vary based on the destination and weight.
Check the Final Charge Before Booking
Before sending a parcel, check the applicable tariff based on its weight, destination and delivery service.
Also remember that GST and additional charges, where applicable, can increase the final amount.
With the new rates now in effect, checking the cost in advance can help you avoid surprises at the post office, especially during the busy Raksha Bandhan season.
