Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of India’s culture and customs. Most people greet each other with a “namaste,” a traditional Indian greeting. It is customary to use both hands when shaking hands, and eye contact is expected when meeting someone new. In more formal settings, exchanging gifts with both parties bowing slightly to the other person is expected.
Other traditional gestures and custom protocols are expected to be followed in the Indian culture:
Namaste
Namaste is a traditional Indian greeting to show respect and reverence towards others. When they meet, it is usually used as a formal greeting among family, friends, and strangers. Namaste can also be used to begin religious ceremonies and express gratitude in spiritual practices.
Namaste is made by pressing your palms together in front of your chest with your fingers pointing up, accompanied by a slight head bow. It is an expression meant to convey feelings of peace, respect, and gratitude toward another person. It can be used both in social and more formal settings.
In India, this gesture is commonly seen at temples between two people of different castes or creeds as a sign of goodwill and tolerance. It is also seen between two people at the beginning or end of a conversation or meeting, often accompanied by words such as ‘namaste’ or ‘blessings be with you.’ It can also involve touching the feet of an elderly person in Indian culture – which symbolizes paying homage to them – although this may be less common in modern society due to health and covid-19 considerations.
In recent years, namaste has become popularized worldwide through its use in certain forms of yoga, which have become increasingly popular with time – many practitioners enjoy using namaste at the end of their practice session out of respect for themselves, fellow practitioners and those teachings that were given during their session. Beyond practicing yoga, however, namaste remains a symbol throughout the world that conveys understanding, respect, kindness, humility, gracefulness & love toward one another.
Handshake
In Indian culture, the handshake is known as a namaste and is often combined with a respectful head bow. Generally speaking, a handshake should be gentle but not limp. In traditional culture, men may put their hands together in a prayer-like gesture, with fingers interlocked and thumbs lightly touching the chest. Women often do the same.
It’s important to remember that depending on how close people are or what their relationship is, they may bow instead of shaking hands, or they may opt for a one-armed hug instead, or two cheeks to touch – known as a beso in Spain – or do an ‘air kiss.’
Dress Code
When visiting India, it is essential to be mindful of cultural customs and etiquette. One of the most important considerations is the dress code. The traditional dress for men and women in India is the saree or dhoti for women and the kurta or sherwani for men. It is important to dress modestly so that the clothing covers the body from the shoulders to the ankles.
Education about appropriate dress codes for different occasions and events is essential to understand Indian culture and customs.
Men
Knowing the country’s cultural customs and etiquette is essential when visiting India. Indian culture is known for its modesty, so dressing conservatively is essential when it comes to fitting in with locals.
Men should wear clothing that covers their arms and legs, such as cotton pants and a shirt or lightweight tunic. It is important not to display too much skin when visiting temples or religious sites as a sign of respect for the customs held by those sites. Flip-flops and sandals are widely accepted footwear choices in India, but trainers and sneakers should always be avoided. Additionally, wearing clothes bearing images of Hindu gods or goddesses is considered highly disrespectful.
A scarf can be worn loosely draped over your shoulder for protection from intense sun exposure and as a mark of respect for the culture you are entering into.
Women
Women in India are encouraged to wear modest clothing that covers the arms, legs, and torso. Common dress items include sari, salwar kameez, shalwar kurta, churidaar or a kurti. Tops should also have sleeves at least a few inches long and skirts or trousers that reach the ankle. Exposed oxters are considered bad etiquette, so tank tops should be avoided.
The clothing style may vary by region depending on culture and the weather. Still, the main ideas remain – moderation and respectability – which apply to men’s and women’s clothing choices in India. In general, work attire for women will require slightly more formal wear than standard daily wear. For example, collared shirts or blouses paired with trousers or a long skirt are considered suitable for business meetings or presentations. Women should also consider wearing scarves or shawls to cover their necks during formal engagements if necessary.
Eating Habits
In India, eating is more than just food – it’s an experience. Eating is where families, friends, and business associates come together to socialize, enjoy the company of each other, and catch up on their lives. As such, there are several customs and etiquette related to eating in India, particularly regarding how food is served, consumed, and shared.
Let’s take a look at the eating habits in India and how to navigate them:
Eating with Hands
In many parts of India, eating with the right hand and not the left is customary. It is because Indian people believe that the left hand should be used only to clean oneself after going to the bathroom. In addition, eating food with one’s hands is believed to be a more pleasurable experience, and most Indians feel they can taste food better.
When eating with hands, Indian etiquette states that only the right four fingers should be used for picking up food while leaving the thumb out. It is also essential to ensure that all group members are served before anyone starts eating. Furthermore, it is essential to accept any food offered and not reject it without tasting it first; there could be more profound cultural implications associated with refusing food, and elders, in particular, may find this disrespecting.
Restaurants specializing in South Indian dishes or street-side eateries will typically provide clove-scented water for cleansing one’s hands after eating so that if you need to shake someone’s hand later on, you don’t pass on any smells from your meal! But, of course, the traditional practice for washing hands before meals also applies here – use your fingers to scoop water up towards your elbow three times in each hand before starting your meal!
Food Offering Etiquette
Regarding food, India’s cultural customs and etiquette guidelines provide a framework for sharing meals with friends, family, and colleagues. It begins with offering food to each guest before you start your meal. Food is provided in a gesture of hospitality and generosity, with many under the assumption that if you do not accept the food, it shows disrespect.
When sharing a meal in India, it is essential to understand the etiquette for offering food. You should make sure to offer food at least twice to each person before starting the meal or moving on:
- Offer the food holding both hands gently together as a sign of respect.
- Make eye contact as you offer the plate.
- Be aware of whether someone has already declined to accept more food.
- Always ensure that everyone has been offered some of everything before starting with the second serving.
- Avoid passing things directly from hand to hand – place them in front of where guests are seated.
- Remember that when someone declines an offer of certain foods, they usually indicate it is only for that moment and might still accept when offered at a different time.
Religious Customs
India is a country with a rich and diverse culture. This culture is heavily influenced by religion, with four major religions – Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism – playing a significant role in the country’s traditions. Religious beliefs form the foundation of etiquette and customs in India, and it is important to be aware of these customs and respect them while visiting.
In this section, we’ll discuss the different religious customs and etiquette of India:
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with a long history of customs and traditions. In India, an estimated 82% of adults identify as Hindu. Though religious diversity is celebrated, there are a few unspoken rules one should adhere to when visiting or participating in Hindu activities.
Hinduism honors its Gods and Goddesses as vital forces of life. Symbols or statues often represent these deities during festivals and celebrations, so treating them respectfully is essential. For example, when entering a place of worship like a temple or mandir, visitors should remember to take off their shoes and be mindful during sacred ceremonies like marriages or pujas (worship). In addition, Hindus perform puja rituals daily, praying to God and offering flowers, leaves, fruits, and more as veneration.
Other practices involve dressing modestly out of respect for the people attending religious services or functions; it is considered offensive for men and women to wear clothing that exposes too much skin. Additionally, guests may be required to leave their wallets outside the temple space, which indicates openness and humility before entering into prayer.
Taking pictures at festivals or inside temples should also be respected – this generally requires permission from those who are worshipping so as not to interfere with their spiritual experience. It would also be wise not to touch any idols unless permitted by those supervising the area; if you do touch an idol, it may require cleaning afterward due to being ‘ritually polluted’ during worship time.
Despite these exceptions, most places welcome respectful visitors who observe traditions while exploring different aspects of India’s culture.
Islam
Muslim practice in India is as diverse as the country itself. Indian Muslims tend to be more religiously observant than Muslims in other parts of the world, and there are tremendous regional and ethnic variations in Muslim customs. In general, most Muslim Indians are believers in one God (Allah), the prophet Mohammed, and all other prophets of God.
Most Muslims participate in Muharram (a Shiite-only ceremony) each year; Ramadan (a month-long period of fasting); Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Mecca; Eid ul-Fitr (the feast that ends Ramadan); and Eid ul-Adha (the festival of sacrifice). Additionally, Muslims pray five times daily facing towards Mecca, give zakat or charitable donations based on their wealth or income per Islamic law, fast for the entire month of Ramadan each year, are encouraged to seek knowledge, and celebrate Ashoura which marks an important event during the early history of Islam.
Muslims also practice rituals like wearing traditional ethnic attire for special occasions such as weddings or festivals and shaking hands with family members as a sign of respect instead of embracing them publicly due to modesty reasons related to their Islamic faith beliefs. Additionally, they often use henna to decorate their hands on special events or occasions, and they are not allowed to consume pork meat according to Islamic codes and regulations.
Social Customs
Social customs in India are vastly different from those of other countries. Understanding these customs will help you interact more comfortably and respectfully with people from India.
- Indians often maintain personal space, so it is polite to keep about one meter away from them when talking.
- Greetings are also crucial in Indian culture, and the most popular greeting is to place your hands together in prayer and say “Namaste.”
- Respect for elders is also vital in Indian culture, so it is essential to be mindful when interacting with people.
Respect for Elders
Respecting elders is considered a truism in India and an essential part of Indian social customs and etiquette. These are deeply embedded in the culture and are demonstrated through respectful interactions with elderly relatives and community members. It can range from small gestures such as:
- Standing up when elders enter the room
- Not eating until permission is given
- Offering one’s seat to elders
- Not sitting with legs crossed or pointing feet in their direction
- Addressing them by honorific titles such as “Uncle” or “Aunty.”
Often elders serve as mentors and guardians for younger generations, so it is seen as a sign of respect to seeking advice from them when needed. Additionally, students greet their teachers with palms together at chest level, known as “Namaste” in India.
Gender Roles
Gender roles in India vary depending on the area of the country. In general, traditional gender roles are still prevalent in rural areas, whereas urban areas are slowly transitioning to a more progressive outlook.
While some of India’s social customs remain primarily influenced by Hinduism, such as arranged marriages and having male heirs carry on the family name, other customs go beyond religious boundaries. For example, many women in modern-day India work outside the home, seek higher education opportunities, and hold positions in public office.
In addition to traditional powers delegated to each gender role, women are increasingly becoming household decision-makers and increasing their presence in daily life. However, men continue to take advantage of their privileged position while attempting not to undermine their family’s needs or today’s changing cultural values embraced by women in India.
While it is still reasonably uncommon for marriage partners to choose each other freely or even for married couples to live together before marriage rites are completed, progressive values have begun to spread across certain geographical regions within certain communities among younger generations. With increasing access to education and civil liberties given by law in India, it is becoming more difficult for tradition-minded families and individuals (especially men) to adhere strictly before modern longings, and advancements overtake traditional gender conventions.
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving is integral to Indian culture and can be used to greet someone and express gratitude. When giving a gift in India, it’s important to consider the cultural rules governing gift-giving. These guidelines may vary among religious or ethnic groups, but they are generally based on respect and thoughtful consideration of the recipient’s needs.
For most occasions, a small token is appropriate. Religion-based gifts, such as religious artwork or books about Hinduism, are popular; however, avoid sending these items to anyone outside your religion. Instead, consider giving valuable items such as desktop calendars or stationery sets to business associates, close friends, and family members. Personalized gifts with the recipient’s name also make meaningful presents.
Always present your gift with both hands to show humility and respect. You should also use this same gesture when receiving a gift from someone else. In addition to verbal thanks, it is courteous.
When invited into someone’s home for dinner or another social engagement, bring a small token of appreciation for your host, such as flowers or chocolates for the ladies. If you know what the person likes, then bringing that would be greatly appreciated too! Unwrapped candy stores bought fruits are also acceptable presents when visiting homes in India.