If you are planning a trip to India, you must remember that, much like the vastness of the country, there exists diversity in culture, heritage, history, norms, and etiquette. Being one of the world’s largest secular democracies, people from different religions and ethnicities have made the country their home. While some norms and traditions differ from community to community, the below-mentioned common cultural etiquettes in India will help you have a hassle-free travel experience across India:

Greetings and Gestures

Most Indians usually greet people by folding their hands, joining their palms, and saying “Namaste”. People from the Muslim community in the country greet each other by saying “Salaam”. It is important to note that some people may not be comfortable with a hug, and folding both hands together is the most common cultural etiquette in India. Shaking hands can work well in such situations. As a tourist, if you are staying in a hotel, you might be welcomed with garlands of flowers that will be placed around your neck. It is also considered respectful if you bid goodbye to everyone when leaving a room.

Dress Code

People in India prefer decent clothing when it comes to the dress code. It is part of the conservative culture of the country, where wearing revealing clothes in certain small towns and villages is not encouraged. While most big cities like Delhi and Mumbai, which are cosmopolitan hubs, are more liberal with their dress code, people in small towns and villages have conservative ideas about dressing. If you are planning to travel to the interior of the country, traditional dressing would be the best, with long skirts and a salwar kameez. While visiting any religious place, such as a temple or mosque, always wear clothes that cover your legs, and also make it a point to cover your head with a scarf.

Shoes and Footwear

There is no particular kind of footwear mandated to be worn in the country. Depending on the terrain you are traveling in, you can wear your shoes accordingly. However, you must remove your shoes while entering someone’s house or a religious place. There will probably be a shoe stand where the shoes can be kept. As per Indian etiquette and culture, always remove your footwear before entering a temple, mosque, or gurdwara. Some churches also expect people to remove their footwear before entering.

Personal Space

While personal space is mostly respected in the country, sometimes you might meet some people who might ask some mildly intrusive questions. Culturally, by nature, Indians are very inquisitive. The best way to go about it is not to be offended, get more involved with the local people, and ask them questions as well. If you do not want to answer too many questions you can always give vague answers or simply smile it off.

Giving Gifts

When traveling in India, and visiting someone’s house, consider taking some gifts with you as a gesture of gratitude. The gifts can range from chocolates to sweets, or anything thoughtful. If you are attending a social ceremony like marriage, you can also gift cash in an envelope. While handing over the gift, you can greet the person and wish them well.

Eating Etiquette

In most parts of India, people prefer eating with their bare hands, unless dining at restaurants. For someone coming from outside, this might come across as a culture shock. However, if you wish to partake in the same, make sure to properly wash your hands before you start eating. According to the rules of etiquette in India, it is best to finish your food instead of passing a half-eaten plate. Wasting food is not looked upon favourably. Furthermore, there are some dietary restrictions; for example, members of the Muslim community do not consume alcohol or eat pork. Being mindful of these cultural differences can go a long way.

Tipping and Bargaining

While tipping is not absolutely necessary, it is always appreciated. If you like the services of a restaurant or any place that you are visiting, it is always good to leave a small tip. Apart from restaurants, you could also tip tour guides, hotel staff, and porters at railway stations. The tips can range from 5-10%. When it comes to bargaining, if there is a price tag, it is most likely that the person will not accept a lower price. But when you are visiting local marketplaces that essentially are flea markets, bargaining is the key. The price that the seller will quote will always be higher, so quote half the price and start bargaining from there.

Though there might be a host of cultural etiquette in India that you might witness on your trip, just be confident and make the most of your Indian sojourn. It will surely be an experience of a lifetime.