The spirit of travel has lived on down the ages. India is an attraction for tourists with its mountains, deserts, historical monuments, wide cultural variety and vast stretch of beaches. The different states of India have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own cultural niche. The following are ten of the cultural tips for foreigners visiting India.
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1. Greeting
Indians traditionally greet with hands put together in front of the chin saying` namaste’ or `namaskaram’. A normal handshake may not be accepted by women and rarely by some traditionalists, but there is no offence meant. However nowadays, the handshake is reciprocated by most people in most places.
2. Attire
Indian women are expected to dress conservatively and modestly. Tourists should avoid tank tops, short skirts and shorts when going to public places. Women dressed in tight and short dresses could attract undesirable attention. Men should avoid going out bare-chested.
Although states have different climates, lightweight, loose yet covering cotton clothing is suitable for summers. For winters sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves and heavy woollens in mountainous regions is required. Bring light raincoats or umbrellas for monsoon seasons. Washable fabrics are the most convenient for maintenance, but dry cleaning services are also available everywhere.
3. Food
While going into a restaurant please check whether they serve non-vegetarian food as for large number of Hindus, eating meat is a religious taboo. Eat non-vegetarian food only in good restaurants since the hygiene factor may not be good in the smaller places. Beef is not available in most Indian restaurants as the cow is considered a sacred animal by Hindus. Pork too is not readily available in Indian restaurants except in some places serving Chinese or similar cuisines. In some traditional homes, guests and men often eat first - women and children often eat later or after the guests leave.
4. Sightseeing
Most religious places do not permit shoes inside their premises. In some places, there are restrictions on the movement/entry of persons from other religions. However in such places there will be prominent notices placed informing tourists of such restrictions. In many of the religious places it is compulsory to keep the head covered.
Photography is not always allowed, and at many places it is permitted only at a fee. There is usually a higher fee for using a camcorder. Not all public places allow smoking.
5. Public Interaction
There are a lot of opportunities for cheap shopping of souvenirs etc. around the tourist spots. However, there will also be hawkers and “guides” hustling you and trying to get you to buy something or take their services. It’s best to put across a very clear “NO” to their offers and then simply ignore them thereafter. Try to always approach a government guide or a person from a hotel where you have a booking about the places of interest and the options available. While on the move and asking for directions, it’s generally preferable to ask shopkeepers and again it’s always advisable to crosscheck with two people.
Of course, being a foreigner, especially in smaller towns, there could be a lot of eyes staring at you. But just ignore them and go on doing whatever you are involved in, especially since it's nothing but plain curiosity.
6. Right hand usage
It is the Indian tradition to give and take anything important using the right hand. This tradition is firmly rooted across most of the country. Be it business or eating, the right hand is what is used. The right hand is used while handing over money or anything important.
7. Use last name with the title
People should be addressed by their last name while meeting for the first time. Use the honorific and their last name e.g. Mr. Ahmed, Mrs. Dubey etc. Whenever speaking with somebody older, try to be as respectful as required.
8. Tipping
At hotels and restaurants tipping is a norm. About 10% of the bill is usually the norm. Tipping the cab drivers is not necessary. Hotel staff is normally tipped only at the end of the stay.
9. Lines and crowds
India can at times present a disorderly and noisy face. There is usually a queue for everything – public transport, entrance into tourist spots etc. But what could be daunting for the tourist is the tendency of many to break the queue and rush in. But don’t get overly perturbed as it is usually limited to good-natured jostling to get ones work done faster. Try to maintain the queue or if it becomes a free-for-all, you might as well join in and get your work done. In certain places there is a separate reserved side/line for women eg. public transport, train tickets etc.
10. Public display of emotions
In India, public display of affection (between men and women) is not considered very appropriate. It is therefore advisable that hugging and kissing be avoided in public places. It can lead to unnecessary remarks and attract unwanted attention.
Indian population is polygenetic and is said to be the melting pot of various racial mosaic. In so far as the life of the average people is concerned, religion, ritual and cost obligations still matter very much. In reality religion and state are related to each other in many implicit ways.
India has plenty to offer in terms of its different cultures, lifestyles, festivals, climates
and places of interest. Exploring the various aspects is an experience in itself.
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