Indians are famous for their hospitality – "Atithi Devo Bhava" means "the guest is God". Knowing a few customs will make your encounters warmer and help you avoid awkward moments.
Greetings and gestures
- Say "Namaste" with palms pressed together – it works everywhere.
- Handshakes are common between men; with women, wait for them to offer a hand.
- Do not touch anyone's head and avoid pointing your feet at people or sacred objects.
- A sideways head wobble usually means "yes" or "okay".
Temples, mosques and gurudwaras
- Remove your shoes before entering (and often socks too).
- Cover shoulders and knees; in Sikh gurudwaras cover your head.
- Walk around shrines clockwise.
- Leather items may not be allowed in Jain temples.
- Ask before taking photos – some shrines prohibit cameras.
Useful Hindi phrases
English is widely spoken in tourism, but a few words in Hindi always bring a smile. Tap a card below to see the meaning.
