Do you shake hands in India?

When meeting and greeting people in India, it is usual practice to shake hands, but extreme care should be taken not to touch another person with the left hand, which is seen as dirty and therefore offensive.

How do you greet people in India?

Meeting and Greeting

Westerners may shake hands, however, greeting with 'namaste' (na-mas-TAY) (placing both hands together with a slight bow) is appreciated and shows respect for Indian customs. Men shake hands with men when meeting or leaving. Men do not touch women when meeting or greeting.

What are the do's and don'ts in India?

When visiting temples or entering an Indian home, remove footwear and hats. Dress conservatively in a way that expresses respect for the place of worship or household. Wash your hands before and after eating. Avoid touching people with the left hand, as it is considered unclean and will cause insult.

What is the gesture of respect in India?

Indians expect people to greet the eldest or most senior person first. When greeting elders, some Indians may reach down and touch the ground or the elder's feet as a sign of respect. It is advisable to address people by their title (Mr, Mrs, etc.)

What is shaking with left hand in India?

In India, as right across Asia, the left hand is for wiping your bottom, cleaning your feet and other unsavoury functions (you also put on and take off your shoes with your left hand), while the right hand is for eating, shaking hands and so on.

Indian Headshakes | What do they mean?

What country is it disrespectful to shake left hand?

In Indonesia, it is considered rude to use one's left hand as it is a hand designated for unclean duties. A medium to soft handshake grip is sufficient, since gripping too hard could be considered rude or an act of aggression.

In which country is it rude to shake hands?

In some Asian countries, a hard handshake is considered rude. In Vietnam, you should only shake hands with someone who's your equal in age or rank. In Thailand, instead of shaking hands, you're more likely to bow with your hands together and up to your chest.

What is an offensive hand gesture in India?

Which hand gesture is inappropriate in India? Mostly, using your left hand or legs to do things is considered offensive or inappropriate in India. Hindu people perform Pujas with their right hand. So, whenever you are in a Hindu temple, don't use your left hand to give your offerings in front of the god.

How do you show appreciation in India?

Saying "bahut dhanyavaad": "Bahut dhanyavaad" is a formal way of saying thank you in Hindi. While it is a formal phrase, it is often used in informal settings as well. Giving a small gift: Giving a small gift, such as a flower or a small token of appreciation, is another way of expressing gratitude in Indian culture.

What does showing pinky finger mean in India?

In India, holding up the pinky is a signal that the person has to urinate. Similarly, in Indonesia, when a man points his pinky finger downward it is a signal that he needs to urinate. In Turkey, it's tradition to link pinky fingers when two people are making a bet.

What is impolite in India?

Whistling and winking are usually perceived as rude and unacceptable – these actions have sexual connotations. Feet are considered unclean in India; avoid pointing your feet at a client. In the event your feet or shoes touch another person, apologize.

What not to bring to India?

Is India friendly to foreigners?

Indian people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards tourists. Visitors are often greeted with open arms and made to feel welcome wherever they go.

How can I be polite in India?

Basic Etiquette

The soles of one's feet should never be pointed at another person, towards a temple or towards a deity. Sit in a way that avoids this. The top of the head is considered to be the most important part of the human body. To touch someone on the top of their head is considered rude and insensitive.

Can you say hello in India?

1. Namaste (नमस्ते) in Hindi. The first language in which we will find out how to say hello in different Indian languages is Hindi.

How do you respond to thank you in India?

The word used for "you're welcome" in response to "thank you" in Hindi is "आपका स्वागत है" (aapka swagat hai). A word for welcome in response to thank you is स्वागत है .

What foods are popular in India?

What gestures should be avoided in India?

Don't Point Your Feet or Finger at People

Also, note that Indians will often touch their head or eyes as a show of apology. On the other hand, it's a sign of respect to bend down and touch an elder person's feet in India. Pointing with your finger is also rude in India.

What is the bad finger in India?

In India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the social circles exposed to the western cultures use the middle finger gesture in the same sense that it is used in those cultures. The same is true for most South Asian countries. In Portugal, this gesture is also called "Pirete" or "Manguito".

Is thumbs-up ok in India?

The thumbs up usually means that all is well. In South India, however, this gesture is used differently. Here, the thumb is raised a little and you look questioningly to find out what is going on. If you also stretch your head in a demanding way, the gesture is reinforced.

Which handshake is not acceptable?

Some common "bad" handshakes include: Dominant handshake: This involves placing your palm downward when offering your hand to someone and is a form of aggressive communication. By placing your palm downward, you force the other person to place their palm up, a submissive position.

Why would a guy finger your palm when shaking hands?

The palm is considered an erogenous zone, and touching it during a handshake can be a way for someone to express their desire for physical connection [1]. Playfulness or flirtation: In certain situations, fingering the palm during a handshake can be a playful or flirtatious gesture.

Do British people shake hands?

A handshake is the most common form of greeting among the English and British people and is customary when you are introduced to somebody new. It is only when you meet friends, whom you haven't seen for a long time, that you would kiss the cheek of the opposite sex. In Britain one kiss is generally enough.