Respecting the culture of India and other India Local Custom Tips

Be respectful of local customs, and religion. Don't be rude, especially to people less fortunate. ALWAYS keep a sense of humour...try and see the funny side(and there are many) Treat taxi-drivers well, and they will not take you on the "wrong ride"
Do not exhibit public display of affection. eg kissing in public or cuddling. Holding hands is ok.
And in India, what to us is a head-shake meaning no.........is a sort of sideways wobble, which means yes. A bit confusing! Do not expose bare legs or bare stomach.Indians dress modestly, and so should anyone visiting their country.
Indians eat with their right hand. For obvious reasons. So, when passing something to anyone, use your right hand only.

I have found that it is always a good idea to carry a scarf, in case of an unexpected visit to any temple. Heads should be covered, for women. (arms also).
Staying in Guest Houses is always a great way to get to know a family, who in turn will pass on their knowledge of the culture, history and interesting places to see. I have met many wonderful people in this way, and have maintained lasting friendships with them.

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Website: www.incredibleindia.org

Feet are considered to be the lowliest part of the body.Therefore it is good mannered to remove shoes before entering an Indian home.Placing feet up on furniture is bad mannered. While sitting on a floor, in Indian manner, you will notuce that Indians usually sit with their feet tucked under their legs instead of stretched out. Avoid stepping over anyone.
The head, however , is believed to be the spiritual centre of the body. Older people bless someone younger by touching their head.

Living in close quarters, as Indians do, with families and neighbors, Indians have a different perspective of "personal space" to what Westerners are used to. While travelling, if you are jostled or crowded in a queue, as often happens, be as tolerant as possible. Space is a premium, and precious commodity in India.

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Women, foreign and Indian, often have to face unwanted attention.When travelling alone looking, staring and/or harrasment often happens in crowded places such as on public transport or in queues.

Where possible, use "ladies only" queues and sitting areas on transport. Trains have separate coaches for ladies. Some buses have sitting areas for ladies only.
Avoid eye contact, and ignore unwanted attention.
Also avoid walking alone in quiet and rougher parts of any city. This, of course, is a common sense practice in any country.
When booking a taxi- use your hotel to make the booking. Note the numberplate. Do not hitch-hike under any circumstance.
Dressing modestly is a good idea.

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A first time visitor to India may become confused by the Indian head-wobble. Its a sort of up and down and sideways wobble/shake of the head. To westerners- this may seem to be a negative sign. After all, we shake our heads from side to side meaning "NO".
But in India, the opposite is meant. So, the sideways head wobble means "YES"
It is used by almost all Indians, and is quite endearing, once one gets the hang of it.After many trips to India, I automatically find myself doing it while talking to locals. They find it hysterically funny.

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A common sight in India is to see men and boys holding hands while walking. This has NOTHING to do with their sexual preferance. I have no idea how,when and where this habit originated from- but after much discussion with many friends in India, I am positive that it is just a display of friendship.

NBI have just been informed by my friend Jagdish (jethanand) of the origins of hand-holding in India-

'Hand-holding is a sign of trust, togetherness, protection, a promise of inter-reliance. In India, olden times if there was danger and risk of separation, the older sibling would clutch the hands of a young one' THANK YOU JAGDISH!!

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Chai (Indian tea) is the lure.Buying their wares is the hope.
It is customary in India that upon entering an shop (of almost any kind) you will be offered a seat, and a cup of chai. This is an Indian welcome. Often the shopkeeper will a send out a helper discreetly for the chai, and it would not be polite to refuse, in my opinion. Sometimes it is a welcome treat to rest and refresh after or during a shopping spree.
The chai is always very sweet, very milky and spicy.Delicious. It is served in tiny cups.
I think that this chai offering is very hospitable. In too many western countries it seems like an effort to even get a smile out of sales staff, let alone a cup of tea.
I love browsing, chatting and sharing chai with locals in every Indian city that I visit. There is so much to gain, and nothing to lose.

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