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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. India is home to many religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Sikhism, to name a few). There is also a plethora of recognized languages, mother tongues, and linguistic dialects in India. Ethnically, there are also differences between Indians from east to west, and north to south. Visitors to India should expect a varied and vibrant mélange of cultures and traditions in this country, as well as the requisite cultural and social sensitivities that are associated with such diversity.
2. In large cities, Indian men and women who subscribe to more Westernized habits and tendencies will offer to shake hands when greeting others. Nevertheless, foreign women should avoid initiating handshakes with Indian men. Generally, speaking, Hindu Indians avoid public contact between men and women; only Westernized Hindus will shake hands with the opposite sex. Traditionally there is no physical contact between Muslim men and women. Indians, regardless of religious affiliations, tend to disapprove of public displays of affection between the opposite sex.. One should avoid touching, (except the specific cases of handshaking noted above), hugging, or kissing when greeting another person.
3. Titles are highly valued in India and adhering to the strictures of formality is highly advisable. One should always use professional titles and avoid addressing another by his or her first name unless one is asked to do so, or one is a close friend.
4. The traditional greeting is the namaste. Namaste is offered by holding the palms of the hands together below the chin, nodding or bowing slightly, and saying the word, "namaste." Rough translation of the word suggests that it conveys peace, respect and hospitality from one person to another. Literally, it means something akin to "I bow to the divine in you." This soulful and lyrical greeting is useful for foreigners in any situation where a handshake may not be acceptable.
5. Many Indians consider the head to be the seat of the soul. One should avoid touching someone else's head. Simply patting the hair of a child may seem to be a harmless and affectionate act in Western culture, but it may not be so well-received in India.
6. One should also avoid standing with one's hands on one's hips, as this stance may well be interpreted as an angry, aggressive posture.
7. One should eschew pointing with a finger, as it is considered to be an offensive gesture, sometimes denoting annoyance. Indeed, Indians often point with the chin.
8. One should also eschew winking with the eyes. Winking may be misinterpreted as either an insult or a sexual proposition.
9. The protocol surrounding one's feet should also be noted. For example, one should not point one's feet at another person. Also, feet are considered unclean, so if one's shoes or feet touch another person's shoes or feet, one should be sure to apologize. Upon entering someone's house, one would normally remove one's shoes unless invited to do otherwise; again, this custom is associated with notions of cleanliness in regard to the feet.
10. Visitors to India should note that the gestures for "yes" and "no" mean something other than the Western connotation. This difference can be confusing in cross-cultural communication. Indians swivel their heads from side to side for both affirmative abd negative responses (this is basically a combination of both of the North American head movements for "yes" and "no"). One should try to procure a verbal response to questions, in order to avoid miscommunication.
11. Note that the implications of the word "no" in India are very significant. Among Indians, evasive refusals, rather than outright negations, and are considered to be preferable. When one is offered an invitation, for example, one would respond with vague avoidances, such as "maybe, we'll see" or "I'll try." Visitors should emulate these muted refusals in situations with locals where an outright "no" would normally suffice.
12. Many travel experts suggest that while offers to visit someone's home may be presented, in India, it is advisable that one only accept such offers from trusted friends and acquaintances in India. Although Indians are very hospitable people, caution should be exercised until one has gained some experience with the people and culture of India.
13. Once one has determined that a visit to an Indian home is acceptable, one should take a small gift for the host and/or the hostess. Chocolates, candy or flowers are all suggested choices, although frangipani blossoms should be avoided, as they are associated with funerals. An ornament from one's home would be considered to be a lovely choice. Whatever gift is selected, it should not be wrapped in black or white, which are considered to be unlucky colors. Green, red or yellow wrapping are better choices. One should also note that gifts are not normally opened in the presence of the giver. If one receives a wrapped gift, one should set it aside until the giver leaves. Sending a note of thanks for the gift, once it has been opened, is also good protocol. Remember that Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork. Gifts of leather made from cows, as well as pigskins (footballs), are not appropriate within these two respective communities.
14. When visiting someone's home, if refreshments are offered, it is customary to refuse the first offer, but to accept on the second or third offering. Refusal of any refreshment is regarded as rude and ungracious.
15. In Muslim homes, note that one should eat with the right hand; the left hand is considered unclean. Simply touching a communal dish with the left hand may cause fellow diners to avoid it.
16. Eating from another person's plate is inappropriate. One should never offer another person (even a spouse) food from one's own plate, or alternatively, eat from another's plate.
17. At the end of a meal, do not thank the host as the words, "thank you," may be viewed as a form of payment. The sharing of a meal is considered to be akin to sharing a friendship and is deeply meaningful among Indians. Returning the meal by inviting the host to dinner or an equivalent meal shows that one values the relationship. One might also show appreciation for the meal by complimenting the food, and by partaking of second or even third helpings, when offered. Mentioning how kind and hospitable the host has been would also be appropriate.
18. When traveling in India, it is best to convey the image of quiet confidence and to act as if one knows the country and the region. Appearing confused or lost can make one the object of foul play. Women should take care not to travel alone, especially in less populated areas, and should avoid walking around town at odd times. When one is confronted by the poor and destitute, even though it may one's natural impulse to respond charitably, most travel experts suggest that such persons not be encouraged. As is the case when traveling in many developing countries, one should also be cautious about water and food contamination.
19. When shopping for antiques In India, one should avoid purchasing goods older than 100 years old. Many good, such as "shahtoosh" shawls and ivory, are illegal to either purchase or sell. Make a point of learning what kind of antiques and cultural crafts may be legally and safely bought in India, with full systemic transparency. One should also avail one's self of the customary bargaining practices, while simultaneously employing transparency throughout the entire transaction.
20. When visiting temples and other holy sites, note that it is often prohibited to take photographs of deities. Be sure to procure permission before doing so.
21. Likewise, one should not photograph women without prior permission.
22. Travel experts suggest that one should only visit sacred sites and spaces which are well-publicized, and that are sanctioned by governmental bodies. Sites that encourage social injustice and inhumane practices should be avoided, according to the experts. Visiting "sati" temples - where women are thrown onto their husbands' funeral pyres - are examples of such ill-recommended sites.
23. It is customary to remove one's shoes before entering a home (as noted above) or place of worship. Be sure to adhere to these rules of convention when one visits a home or place of worship (including temples, tombs, dargahs). Likewise, one should be sure to cover one's head in scared spaces. Usually, a cloth of some kind will suffice, although the Hindu veil is commonplace among women.
24. Because cows are considered to be sacred creatures by Hindus, one should not wear leather products in Hindu temples and at other sites considered to be sacred among Hindus.
25. Modest clothing is also advisable when visiting holy sites, while clothing in the color of black should be avoided in Jain temples. Indeed, conservative dress at all times is imperative in India. Cottons and silks in light colors are popular and comfortable fabrics, and are suitable for the hot climate that pervades much of India. Indian men tend to wear "kurtas" (tunic-like shirts) over loose "dhotis" and "loongis" (loose pajama-like pants), while Indian women tend to wear "saris" (elaborate draped dresses made of several yards of material). "Saris" can range from simple cotton fabrics, to more colorful silks and satins designed with detailed embroidery and threadwork in gold as well as silver. Among business people, however, it is common for Indians to wear Western suits and garb as well as the traditional fare. Visitors can stick to Western clothing styles or dress like a local, the only requisite element is that modesty be employed.
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