Manners in India

Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country

Asia / Southern Asia

Greetings

  • Namaste (with hands together)
  • Handshake

Etiquette

  • Left hand considered unclean; use right hand for eating and religious acts
  • Remove shoes when entering temples or homes
  • Cows are sacred; topics about beef consumption should be chosen carefully by location
  • Avoid excessive physical contact in public places
  • Touching someone's head is considered disrespectful
  • 'Indian Time' with loose time management is common
  • Brief greetings more natural than immediate business card exchange
  • Leather goods often prohibited in Hindu temples
  • Use right hand or both hands when passing objects
  • Photography prohibited at religious sites and military facilities

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