Arattai, the homegrown messaging app from Zoho, has created a storm in the Indian digital space. In just three days, the app crossed 1 million installs, surging from 3,000 daily sign-ups to an astounding 350,000. Initially launched in 2021 with little fanfare, Arattai’s popularity skyrocketed after endorsements from key figures like Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, positioning it as a strong Made-in-India alternative to WhatsApp.

Here’s why users are flocking to Arattai and what sets it apart from other messaging apps:

1. Arattai Meeting – Chat and video calls combined
Unlike WhatsApp, which mainly focuses on messaging, Arattai integrates a meeting feature similar to Google Meet. Users can create, join, and even record meetings, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.

2. Arattai Pocket – Personal storage made easy
The app offers a unique personal storage space called ‘Pocket’ where users can save documents, files, or media. Unlike WhatsApp, this storage does not clutter chat history and is easily accessible from your profile.

3. Smart location sharing – “Till I reach” feature
Arattai revolutionizes location sharing. Users can set a destination, and their live location is automatically shared until they reach, stopping the moment they arrive—no manual intervention required.

4. Mentions page – Never miss important messages
Arattai has a dedicated mentions page where users can see all messages where they are tagged. This ensures you never miss critical updates, even in busy group chats.

5. Scheduled messages – Send later with ease
The app allows scheduling messages, helping users plan communications in advance. This feature is perfect for birthdays, reminders, or professional follow-ups, which WhatsApp lacks natively.

With its combination of innovative features, smooth interface, and strong government backing, Arattai is not just another messaging app—it’s a complete communication ecosystem. As it continues to grow, this Made-in-India app is giving global platforms a run for their money.

Arattai’s rise is a clear sign: Indian users are ready for homegrown alternatives that are smart, user-friendly, and packed with features WhatsApp doesn’t offer.