What is considered rude 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.

What things are rude in India?

The following may be considered offensive:

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 is not acceptable in India?

Avoid touching people with the left hand, as it is considered unclean and will cause insult. Keep this in mind and use your right hand when giving or accepting any object. To use both hands is even more respectful. Only touch food with the right hand.

What gestures are rude in India?

Head: The head is considered to be the holiest part of one's body. Touching someone on the top of the head is deemed to be insensitive and offensive. Feet: Feet are thought to be the dirtiest part of the body, and displaying the soles of one's feet or touching people with one's feet is considered rude.

How do you show respect in India?

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.

Understanding Indian Cultural Differences: 16 Do's and Don'ts

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

What is hello in India?

In many parts of India and during formal occasions, it is common for people to greet with the traditional Hindu greeting of “Namaste” ('I greet the divine within you'). This is accompanied with a nod of the head or a bow depending on the status of the person you are greeting.

Is eye contact rude in India?

Making prolonged eye contact during verbal interactions is not the norm in India. Pointing with fingers is considered offensive, so pointing should be done with the chin, whole hand, or thumb instead. Chin pointing should not be used when signalling superiors.

Is it OK to hold hands in India?

In India, holding hands is not viewed as a sign of homosexuality or any other sexual orientation. It is simply a way for men to show their affection towards each other without any sexual connotations. In fact, it is considered more appropriate for men to hold hands with each other than with women in public places.

Is thumbs up offensive 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.

Is it rude to say thank you in India?

Some countries put more emphasis on expressing gratitude than others. If you are in India or the Philippines, people may find you disingenuous or rude if you overuse “thank you.” Other countries like Japan and Germany have many ways to say “thank you,” depending on the situation.

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.

Can I wear flip flops in India?

Bring Sensible Footwear

If you don't like walking around barefoot, pack a pair of socks. Note that India's monsoon season lasts from July and September, during which time you could get caught in an unpredictable, torrential downpour. Flip flops are ideal for walking in floods.

What are the biggest taboos in India?

What are some taboos in India?

Taboos in India

2. In India, you should avoid handing things over to the locals with your left hand, as your left hand is considered unclean. 3. Do not touch a child's head in India because Indians consider the head to be sacred.

How do you greet people in India?

As a polite gesture, you may want to try greeting someone in the native language of Hindi. Greetings vary between religions: for Hindus, say “namaste,” for Muslims, say “salaam alaykum,” and for Sikhs say “Sat sri akal.” Shaking hands is not the greeting custom in India.

Can I hug in India?

Watch your hands: A hug is fine but groping your partner in full public view is an absolute no-no. Holding hands or casually having an arm around your partner is something that no one will have issues with. But don't be surprised if people find your butt-clutching act too hot to handle.

Is it rude to touch someone's head in India?

To touch someone on the top of their head is considered rude and insensitive. This is especially the case with babies, children, elderly, religious leaders or statues of deities.

Is hugging allowed in India?

However, the Supreme Court of India on various occasions have said that kissing or hugging between adults in public is legal.

How can I be polite in India?

In general, do not pass anything to anyone with your left hand, or point at anyone with it either; and Indians won't be impressed if you put it in your mouth. In general, you should accept things given to you with your right hand – though using both hands is a sign of respect.

What is shaking with left hand in India?

The Western side-to-side hand wave for "hello" is frequently interpreted by Indians as "no" or "go away." Use your right hand only to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise. The left hand is considered unclean.

What is the most common Indian gesture?

1. Namaste. The most popular Indian hand gesture is Namaste (नमस्ते) or Vanakkam (வணக்கம்).

How do you respond to namaskar?

What is the correct response to namaste? - Quora. Correct response to Namaste is saying back Namaste to the other person. It's a Hindi word for saying “ Hello” or greeting some person older than you. Usually, When relatives come to your house or we meet them in parties or functions, we greet them by saying “ Namaste”.