India has more than 1.2 Billion people. It is a diverse country with thousands of ethnicities, dialects and traditions. There are some rules of etiquette that you should follow when visiting this vibrant country.
Follow these guidelines during your visit to India
- The warm Namaste salutation (pronounced nah-mah stay) or the formal Namaskar salutation (pronounced nah-mah scar) are both traditional ways to greet and bid farewell. When meeting older people, place your palms together. Also bow slightly. Avoid shaking hands with men unless they offer first. In urban areas “Hello” has become a more common informal greeting. “Goodbye” on the other hand is considered to be too formal, like asking for permission to leave. It is preferable to use phrases like “see you soon” or namaste.
- Respect for elders is essential.
- Avoid anger and show patience.
- It is not acceptable to show affection in public, but you can see couples of the same gender holding hands.
- Dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing, especially for women. No sleeveless shirts, tank tops or low-cut shirts. Also no shorts. Cover your knees.
- The Indian term for sexual harassment is “Eve-teasing”. This means that Indian men stare openly at women tourists, particularly if they wear revealing clothing. Take the usual precautions, such as being careful in public areas and avoiding exposing too much skin.
- If someone gives a bobble or headshake, tipped from side to side while listening, it is often meant to mean “yes” or a “good”.
- Only take photos of people or things with their permission. Ask first and respect their “no” if you get it.
- Non-Hindus cannot enter certain temple areas.
- You may be given a prasad, which is a sweet or a fruit by a priest.
- Many Hindu temples prohibit leather articles like wallets, belts, and bags. Recognize that these sacred sites are places where people pay their respects, and that taking photographs may not be appropriate.
- Avoid pointing with your index finger at holy items or paintings. You can also extend your palm skyward and extend your hand with your chin.
- Remove your shoes and hats when entering an Indian temple or home. Dress in a conservative manner to show respect for the temple or home.
- Before and after eating, wash your hands.
- It is unclean to touch people with your left hand. This can cause insults. Use your right hand to give or accept any object. Using both hands is more respectful.
- Use only the right hand to touch food. The left hand can be used to hold utensils and glasses, but not bowls.
- Shoes and feet are dirty. Stepping over someone who is sitting or lying down on the ground can be offensive. Do not touch anything with your foot and do not point your bottom towards people or religious altars. Sit cross-legged on the floor or kneel while in a holy place or temple to avoid this. You should extend your legs away from holy icons if you have to. Never face a religious icon with your backside.
- You should apologize immediately if you accidentally bump someone with your shoe or foot. If you accidentally bumped someone’s foot with your shoe or foot, apologize immediately.
- It is common to bring a small present, such as a sweet box, when you are invited into someone’s house.
- When you are invited to someone’s house, the hosts can sit there and watch you. You should accept food offered to you, but not finish it.
- Do not be offended when you are asked questions about your personal life, like “How much money do you make?” “Are married?” or “Do have children?” These are common conversations.
- Never give money or gifts to women and children who are begging. You will be followed by many people if you give a small amount of money. Be aware that holy people near temples or sacred rivers will ask for compensation if they tie a red-and yellow thread around your wrist, and press a red turmeric dot on your forehead.
- Candy and other sweets are particularly harmful, as they can cause dental problems, in particular, for remote villages. Gifts can also lead to unrealistic expectations. Other positive ways to communicate include using bubbles, funny drawings, a Frisbee, a ball or taking pictures on your digital camera.
