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Etiquette
Meeting People
People in India are always very pleased to meet foreigners
and often very inquisitive. It's not unusual for foreigners
to be asked who they are, where they are from, what they
do, how much they earn and what family they have. This shouldn't
be construed as nosiness, but rather a normal process of
introduction when striking up conversation in a nation where
people belong to different racial groups and castes. Indeed,
it is expected that the same questions will in turn be put
to them.
Conversation often develops from these initial enquiries
into deep discussions on world affairs or philosophy, of
which many Indians are well informed.
Greeting
In India, it is important to be aware of the status of the
hand when greeting someone. The right hand is for greeting
and eating, the left hand is for life's more unsavoury tasks.
The Indian form of greeting is known as the namaste, where
the palms of the hands are brought together (as if to pray)
at chest height and a slight bow is given. This is good
etiquette when meeting women, as physical contact is not
expected, but when meeting men, shaking hands is the preferred
form of greeting.
To modern Western ears salutations can seem to emanate
from a more sedate and civil age - and indeed they do. 'May
I help you, good lady?' or 'Thank you, kind sir!' are commonly
heard terms of address from people of all ages. However,
modern English can seem crude and be taken as offensive.
Swearing and shouting are certainly considered unnecessary
and likely to shock.
Eating
When invited to an Indian home, always remove shoes before
entering but be sure not to expose the sole of the foot
or inadvertently point the foot at anyone as the foot is
considered to be the lowest part of the body. Any accidental
contact with the foot should be followed by an apology.
The right hand is for eating and passing items of food
or drink, or wiping the mouth. Even if you are naturally
left-handed, it is best to use the right hand for eating
and drinking.
Indeed, the left hand should only be used for removing
shoes or the most basic task. Never use the left hand to
gesture to someone or when pointing something out. However,
the use of both hands together is considered a sign of respect.
Visiting a Traditional Home
Visitors are always received as honoured guests, and the
hosts will always be understanding of the differences between
the etiquette of various cultures. However, by way of introducing
domestic customs, the following items will be of interest.
The hearth is a sacred part of the home and should be treated
with reverence. It is better not to approach the hearth
unless invited to do so. This also applies to the kitchen
where food is prepared, or the room where drinking water
is stored. Indeed, it is courteous not to touch kitchen
utensils or the terracotta vessels in which water is stored.
Dress Code
Conservative dress that is cool for the hot summer temperatures
and also modest is preferred in India. Skimpy or revealing
clothes, whether worn by men or women, are considered offensive,
as is nudity.
In fact, many Indians are bemused to see some Western visitors
dressed so casually as to appear unable, by lack of wealth
or status, to dress themselves properly.
Visiting Temples
Foreigners of all beliefs are welcome at most religious
sites and are even welcome to observe ceremonies at some
places. However, it is very important to dress conservatively
when visiting a place of worship such as a temple or shrine
- even if it seems to be derelict and no longer in use.
Shoes should be removed before entering, and in mosques
it will be necessary to cover your head with either a hat
or scarf. It is also customary to make an offering by placing
a contribution in the donation box.
Walk clockwise around the temple or holy site and treat
the place with reverence. Photography is not permitted and
one should not touch the carvings or statues of gods and
revered figures. Couples should also refrain from holding
hands or indulging in gestures of affection. Also, leather
items such as belts or bags should not be brought into a
religious site.
Taboos
In public, as well as at religious sites, couples should
refrain from holding hands, caressing and kissing. Although
India is the home of the historic Kama Sutra, various influences
in recent history - both cultural and religious - have led
to today's conservative behaviour. But for many visitors
from the West, the retention of moral codes and courteous
behaviour is a large part of India's attraction.
Photography
Although guidebooks contain many colourful portraits of
people going about their daily lives in India, generally,
arbitary photography of people is not welcome - especially
when women are the intended subjects.
Photography at religious sites, ceremonies or funerals
is strictly taboo, as is photography at military sites or
of military vehicles. Visitors wishing to take specific
photographs of people or places likely to be sensitive should
always ask first.
