Calling India During Diwali: Best Plans & Deals (2025)
Stay Connected This Festival Season Without Breaking the Bank
📖 15 min read · Updated October 27, 2025
Diwali is the most important time to connect with family in India. Whether you're calling to wish loved ones, share in the celebrations, or join in video calls during puja, staying connected during the festival of lights matters. But with everyone calling at the same time, how do you make sure your calls go through without spending a fortune?
The good news? You don't need to pay expensive international rates to stay connected during Diwali. In 2025, there are plenty of free and affordable options that work great during the busy festival season. From completely free WhatsApp calls to budget-friendly eSIM plans for travelers, we'll show you exactly how to call India during Diwali without worrying about the cost.
In this guide, we'll compare the best calling plans for Diwali 2025, share tips for avoiding peak-time problems, and help you choose the perfect solution whether you're calling from home or celebrating abroad. Let's make sure you can wish everyone "Happy Diwali" without stressing about the phone bill.
🔑 Quick Navigation
When is Diwali 2025?
🪔 Diwali 2025 Dates
Main Diwali Day (Lakshmi Puja): Thursday, October 20, 2025
Dhanteras: Tuesday, October 18, 2025
Choti Diwali: Wednesday, October 19, 2025
Govardhan Puja: Friday, October 21, 2025
Bhai Dooj: Saturday, October 22, 2025
The Diwali festival period runs for five days, with the main celebration on October 20, 2025. This is when call volumes to India are highest, as families around the world connect to share wishes and celebrate together. Peak calling times are typically evening in India (morning in USA) when families gather for puja.
💡 Plan Ahead for Peak Times
The busiest calling times during Diwali are 6-10 PM IST (7:30 AM - 11:30 AM EST). If you're using free options like WhatsApp, try calling slightly before or after peak hours for better connection quality. Or better yet, schedule a specific time with family so everyone's ready for the call.
Best Calling Options: Quick Comparison
Here's how all your calling options stack up for Diwali 2025. Each has different advantages depending on whether you're calling from home or traveling.
| Option | Cost | Video Calling | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free on WiFi | ✅ Yes | Everyone with WiFi | |
| FaceTime | Free | ✅ Yes | iPhone to iPhone |
| Google Voice | 1¢/min | ❌ No | Calling landlines |
| Airalo eSIM | From $4.50 | ✅ With data | Travelers in India |
| NordVPN + WhatsApp | $3.39/month | ✅ Yes | UAE/China residents |
| Skype | Free or 2.3¢/min | ✅ Yes | Backup option |
🎯 Quick Recommendation
At home with WiFi? Use WhatsApp (free)
Traveling to India for Diwali? Get Airalo eSIM before you go
In UAE or China? Get NordVPN to access WhatsApp
Calling grandparents' landline? Use Google Voice (1¢/min)
Free Calling Options: Stay Connected at Zero Cost
The best part about calling India during Diwali in 2025? You can do it completely free if you have WiFi. Here are your best free options.
WhatsApp Calling
100% FreeBest for: Video and voice calls with family who have smartphones
Why it's perfect for Diwali: WhatsApp lets you do group video calls with up to 8 people at once. Perfect for when the whole family wants to join in the Diwali celebrations together. See everyone light diyas, exchange gifts, and share sweets - all for free on WiFi.
Pros
- Completely free on WiFi
- Group video calls (up to 8 people)
- Send photos and videos instantly
- Excellent quality on good WiFi
- Everyone in India already has it
- Share Diwali greetings and photos
Cons
- Both sides need WhatsApp
- Requires internet connection
- Can't call landlines
- Blocked in some countries (needs VPN)
- May lag during peak Diwali times
💡 Diwali Video Call Tips
During Diwali, network congestion can affect video quality. If your video call is choppy, switch to voice-only by turning off the camera. This uses less data and works better when lots of people are calling at once. Also, try calling 30 minutes before or after peak puja time (6-10 PM India time) for clearer connections. Learn more about WhatsApp data usage in our complete comparison guide.
Data usage: Voice calls use 0.5 MB per minute. Video calls use 4 MB per minute. On unlimited WiFi, this is free. With 1 hour of video calling, you use about 240 MB of data.
FaceTime Audio & Video
FreeBest for: iPhone to iPhone calls
Why it's perfect for Diwali: If everyone in your family has iPhones, FaceTime offers crystal-clear video quality. The picture is often sharper than WhatsApp, which is great for seeing all the Diwali decorations and watching family light diyas.
Pros
- Excellent video quality
- Very reliable connection
- Built into iPhone
- Simple to use
- Group FaceTime available
Cons
- Only works between Apple devices
- Won't work if family has Android
- Requires internet
- Can't call landlines
Our take: If your whole family is on iPhones, FaceTime is fantastic. But many families in India use Android phones, which makes WhatsApp the more practical choice since it works on everything.
Google Voice
1¢/minBest for: Calling older relatives who only have landlines
Why it's great for Diwali: Not everyone has smartphones. Your grandparents might only have a landline phone. Google Voice lets you call those numbers for just 1 cent per minute - a 30-minute Diwali call costs only 30 cents. For more details on how Google Voice compares, see our comprehensive comparison guide.
Pros
- Very cheap (1¢ per minute)
- Can call landlines
- Works on any device
- Voicemail transcription
- No video needed
Cons
- Not completely free
- Only for US residents
- No video calling
- Voice only
Cost example: If you make five 30-minute calls during the Diwali week to different family members' landlines, you'll spend just $1.50 total. Compare that to $150-225 with traditional carriers.
Premium Plans & Deals for Diwali Travel
Traveling to India for Diwali? Smart choice - there's nothing like being there in person. But don't use your regular carrier's international roaming. Here are much better options.
Airalo eSIM for Diwali Travel
Best for TravelersBest for: Anyone traveling to India for Diwali celebrations
Why it's perfect for Diwali travel: Get a local Indian number before you even leave home. Once you land in India, you'll have mobile data and local calling rates instantly. Share Diwali photos on WhatsApp, navigate to celebrations, and stay connected the whole trip without worrying about roaming charges.
💡 Pre-Festival Setup
Download your Airalo eSIM a day or two before flying to India. It activates automatically when you land. This means you can WhatsApp family "I've landed!" right from the airport. No hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no wasted time. Perfect for those precious Diwali days with family. For complete setup instructions, check our iPhone eSIM installation guide.
Pros
- Local Indian phone number
- Set up before you travel
- Much cheaper than roaming
- Use WhatsApp anywhere
- Share photos instantly
- Navigate to celebrations
- Works in 200+ countries
Cons
- Need eSIM-compatible phone
- Costs money (but much less than roaming)
- Data expires (choose right package length)
Diwali pricing: For a typical week-long Diwali visit:
- 7 days, 3GB: $7.50 (perfect for light use)
- 7 days, 5GB: $10.50 (recommended for most people)
- 15 days, 10GB: $18 (extended stay)
- 30 days, 20GB: $26 (month-long visit)
Cost comparison: Your US carrier charges $5-10 per day for roaming. A 7-day trip costs $35-70 just for roaming. With Airalo, you pay $7.50-10.50 total and get way more data. That's a savings of $25-60 per trip.
Get Airalo eSIM for Diwali →NordVPN + WhatsApp
For Restricted CountriesBest for: Expats in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, or other countries where WhatsApp is blocked
Why you need it for Diwali: If you live in a country that blocks WhatsApp and other calling apps, you won't be able to connect with family during Diwali without a VPN. NordVPN costs just $3.39/month and lets you use WhatsApp, Zoom, and all other calling apps normally.
⚠️ Don't Get Caught Without Connection
Diwali is the worst time to discover calling apps don't work in your country. If you're in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia, set up NordVPN before Diwali week. Test it a few days early to make sure everything works. Nothing is worse than missing Diwali calls because you forgot to prepare. See our complete VPN setup guide for help.
Pros
- Access all calling apps
- Works perfectly with WhatsApp
- Fast speeds for video calling
- Secure and private
- Works on all devices
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Requires monthly subscription
- Must turn on before calling
- May slow connection slightly
Pricing: $3.39/month (2-year plan) or $12.99/month (monthly). The 2-year plan saves you money if you'll need it long-term. 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free before Diwali.
Get NordVPN for Diwali →Smart Tips for Diwali Calling
Diwali is different from regular days. With millions of people calling India at the same time, you need to be strategic. Here are our best tips for making sure your Diwali calls go smoothly.
Best Times to Call During Diwali
Everyone wants to call during puja time (evening in India), which creates network congestion. Here's how to work around it:
✅ Best Calling Times (Less Busy)
- Early morning India time (5-7 AM): Evening in USA, network is quiet
- Afternoon India time (2-4 PM): Night in USA, before evening rush
- Late night India time (11 PM+): Morning in USA, after celebrations wind down
⚠️ Avoid These Times (Very Busy)
- 6-10 PM India time: Peak puja hours, everyone's calling
- Main Diwali day evening: Maximum network congestion
- Right after puja ends: Everyone calling at once
Plan Your Diwali Calls in Advance
Don't leave it to chance. Schedule specific call times with family beforehand:
- Set a specific time: "We'll video call at 3 PM India time on Diwali day"
- Have a backup time: If calls don't connect, try again 30 minutes later
- Test your setup early: Do a test call a few days before Diwali
- Share photos async: Send Diwali photos through WhatsApp messages if calls are difficult
Improve Your Call Quality
Small changes make a big difference in call quality during busy times:
- Use WiFi instead of mobile data: More stable and faster
- Close other apps: Free up your phone's resources
- Get closer to your router: Better WiFi signal means clearer calls
- Switch to voice-only if video lags: Voice calls use way less data
- Use wired internet if possible: Plug your laptop into ethernet for rock-solid connection
Prepare for Group Family Calls
Diwali is about the whole family. Make group calls work better:
- Appoint a "call organizer": One person coordinates everyone
- Set up a WhatsApp group: Share the video call link there
- Test group calls before Diwali: Make sure everyone knows how to join
- Have backup methods: If WhatsApp group call fails, try individual calls
- Record special moments: Use screen recording to save Diwali video calls
💡 Multiple Short Calls Beat One Long Call
Instead of trying to fit everyone into one long call during peak time, consider doing several shorter calls throughout the day. Call grandparents in the morning, siblings in the afternoon, cousins in the evening. This spreads out the network load and ensures everyone gets quality time without technical issues.
Backup Plans for When Calls Fail
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, calls just won't connect during peak times. Have these backups ready:
- Voice messages: Record and send Diwali wishes on WhatsApp
- Photos and videos: Share celebration moments through messages
- Text messages: Send heartfelt Diwali greetings via text
- Email: For longer messages with many photos
- Schedule for next day: Call on Govardhan Puja or Bhai Dooj instead
Which Option Should You Choose?
Here's our guide to picking the perfect Diwali calling solution based on your situation.
Choose WhatsApp If:
- ✅ You're calling from home with WiFi
- ✅ Family in India has smartphones
- ✅ You want video calls to see decorations and celebrations
- ✅ You want to do group calls with multiple family members
- ✅ You want to share photos and videos during the call
- ✅ You're not in a country that blocks WhatsApp
✅ Perfect for Most People
WhatsApp is the best choice for 90% of people celebrating Diwali from USA. It's free, everyone knows how to use it, and the video quality is great for seeing all the Diwali celebrations. Just make sure you have good WiFi and try to call during off-peak hours.
Choose Google Voice If:
- ✅ You need to call landline numbers
- ✅ Older relatives don't have smartphones
- ✅ You want super cheap rates (1¢/min)
- ✅ Voice-only calls are fine (no video needed)
Choose Airalo eSIM If:
- ✅ You're traveling to India for Diwali
- ✅ You want a local Indian number
- ✅ You need mobile data for navigation and apps
- ✅ You want to save money vs. roaming charges
- ✅ Your phone supports eSIM
Traveler tip: If you're in India for Diwali, an eSIM is essential. Don't rely on hotel WiFi - you'll want to stay connected while visiting family, going to celebrations, and navigating around town. For a complete comparison of eSIM options, see our guide to the best eSIMs for India.
Choose NordVPN If:
- ✅ You live in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia
- ✅ WhatsApp and other apps are blocked
- ✅ You need to access calling apps
- ✅ You want secure communication
Cost Comparison: What You'll Actually Spend
Let's look at what different Diwali calling scenarios actually cost:
| Scenario | Traditional Carrier | Smart Solution | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 hours of Diwali calls from home | $450-900 | $0 (WhatsApp) | $450-900 |
| 1 week traveling in India | $35-70 (roaming) | $7.50-10.50 (eSIM) | $25-60 |
| Calling 5 landlines, 30 min each | $225-450 | $1.50 (Google Voice) | $223-448 |
| Using WhatsApp from UAE | Can't use (blocked) | $3.39/mo (VPN) | Priceless |
The savings are huge. Most families save $400-900 during Diwali by using smart calling solutions instead of traditional carrier rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to call India during Diwali?
WhatsApp is the best option for most people. It's completely free on WiFi, supports video calls so you can see the celebrations, and works great for group calls with multiple family members. Just make sure to call during off-peak hours (avoid 6-10 PM India time) for the best quality.
When is the best time to call India during Diwali?
The best times are early morning India time (5-7 AM), afternoon India time (2-4 PM), or late night (after 11 PM). Avoid 6-10 PM India time, which is peak puja time when everyone is calling at once. The network is less congested outside these peak hours, giving you better call quality.
Should I pay for international roaming when traveling to India for Diwali?
No, international roaming is very expensive at $5-10 per day. Instead, get an eSIM from Airalo for $7.50-10.50 for the whole week. You'll save $25-60 and get more data. Download the eSIM before you travel and it activates automatically when you land in India.
How can I call India from UAE during Diwali if WhatsApp is blocked?
You need a VPN service like NordVPN, which costs $3.39 per month. The VPN lets you access WhatsApp and all other calling apps normally, bypassing the UAE restrictions. Set it up before Diwali week and test it to make sure everything works.
Can I do group video calls with my whole family during Diwali?
Yes, WhatsApp supports group video calls with up to 8 people at once. FaceTime also supports group calls if everyone has iPhones. Schedule the call time in advance, create a WhatsApp group to share the link, and consider calling during off-peak hours for better quality.
What if my grandparents only have a landline phone?
Use Google Voice to call landlines for just 1 cent per minute. A 30-minute Diwali call costs only 30 cents. You can't do video calls to landlines, but voice calling is very cheap and reliable for reaching older relatives who don't have smartphones.
How much data does a Diwali video call use?
WhatsApp video calls use about 4 MB per minute, so a 30-minute video call uses 120 MB. Voice calls use much less at 0.5 MB per minute or 15 MB for 30 minutes. On unlimited WiFi at home, this doesn't matter. If using mobile data, a typical 3-5GB eSIM plan is enough for several video calls plus general internet use.
Final Thoughts: Make This Diwali Special
Diwali is about connection, celebration, and sharing joy with loved ones. Distance shouldn't stop you from being part of the festivities. With the right calling solution, you can see family light diyas, share in the puja, exchange Diwali wishes, and feel connected despite being thousands of miles away.
For most people calling from USA, WhatsApp on WiFi is perfect and completely free. If you're traveling to India for Diwali, grab an Airalo eSIM before you go and save hundreds on roaming. And if you're in a country where calling apps are blocked, NordVPN ensures you won't miss the celebrations.
Remember to plan your calls in advance, avoid peak times if possible, and have backup methods ready just in case. Most importantly, focus on the connection itself - whether it's a crystal-clear video call or a simple voice call, what matters is sharing Diwali wishes and feeling close to family.
From all of us at Dial91, we wish you and your family a very Happy Diwali! May your festival be filled with light, joy, and seamless connections with everyone you love. For more money-saving tips and calling guides, check out our complete guide to calling India from USA.
🪔 Shubh Diwali! 🪔
