10 Lessons on Indian Etiquette for Every Traveller

There has been a concept of mystic and exotic ideas embalmed with India for generations. Westerners recognise the country as a highly spiritual place, and a land that offers lots in terms of rituals and history.

If this is your first time visit to this breath-taking and bewildering nation, you should probably be aware of certain Indian etiquettes that might save from being unnecessarily embarrassed. But, do you really think, a country so big that’s often referred to as the Indian subcontinent can have the same practices and protocols in behaviours all throughout? Ranging from the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, to the rolling sand dunes of the Thar Desert, to the beaches and palm trees of Kerala, the country will provide you with an incomparable range of cultures changing with the landscape.

Sand Dunes of the Thar Desert

Beaches and Palm Trees of Kerala

Below you’ll find a handful of key Indian etiquette lessons, to help you understand the prevailing etiquettes. And, when in doubt, watch what the locals do!

1. Wear appropriate clothes (not too tight, not too loose)

India maintains a conservative approach towards its socio cultural aspects which might be a bit of a culture shock for the first time travellers. It is particularly important to dress appropriately in the rural areas. Common western attires is no more a new thing in the major cities however, if you are travelling to the temples or other religious sites, it is better to be dressed in traditional. Although it is not possible to be in the ethnic wear always had you been travelling all the while, make sure to cover your head as a sign of reverence. Understand that first impressions count!

2. Leave your shoes outside

Before getting in any residence, or any place that is not commercial, you should open your shoes as Indian etiquette. It is an absolute prerequisite for getting in a revered place like temple, mosques or Gurudwaras. In some places before entering a shop, you might also be asked to remove the shoes.

3. Try not to point fingers or feet at people, especially strangers

Feet are symbolised as less clean than the other body parts as per traditional Indian etiquette, therefore you should never point your legs or feet towards someone. Even by mistake, if you touch someone or any object by shoes, apologise. Indians generally touch their head or eyes as a gesture for apology. For elders, you are expected to show respect to elders by bending down and touching feet in India if you ever cross them with feet or misbehave unnecessarily.

One of the other signs of rudeness in India is pointing fingers towards others. Try using the whole hand or thumb when you have to show something or point someone.

Wear Appropriate Clothes When Visiting

Try not to Point Fingers at People

4. Do not pass any object, especially food with left hand

The left hand is thought as unclean as per Indian etiquette. Generally, people are right handed, so when you have to pass on anything, particularly something edible, make sure to use the right hand as a courtesy. Many, while in hurry, might slip using the right hand. Apologise for any such thing as a courtesy.

5. Intrusive questions and Indians are common

For many, it might seem that these people are too interested or inclined in their personal lives, in reality, it is just their way of life to be asked and ask others about others. There is evidently a lack in maintaining privacy in India, and simultaneously there is a habit of placing people in the social hierarchy. There can be many who will ask you personal questions, even if you are meeting for the first time. In fact, some might find it rude if you do not ask them any question in return. Most people love to engage in the conversation.

No worries, you can always give a vague reply!

6. Being polite is good, but not necessary

Being Polite to Indian Locals

It is not very popular to say ‘’thank you" as well as "please" in the occidental culture but, here, this might seem as superfluous formality which can even be insulting at times! While you can always thank someone, like a waiter, professionals or shop assistant, it is very much not pleasing to tell the same to family or friends. In India, people are of more familial values and doing some regular chore for anyone close is taken as inherent in the relationship. A sudden thanks might seem like the breach of closeness and can seem like a distant relationship.

Another thing to keep in mind, especially in some states, do not show too much of politeness. They might try to scam or exploit you if you constantly use meek thank you-s and please. Be strict with street vendors and a certain stern on your personality will deter touts as well.

7. Don't completely refuse a request or an invitation

While it's essential to be self-confident and you should know where to say no in India, try to be as polite as possible while refusing any invitation or request immediately which can seem like a disrespectful gesture. In fact, you can even give the false expectation of commitment as hosts here love to see more guests coming in which is connected as a pious thing.

8. People may not be always on time

In the west, being late seems very offensive. In India, there is more elasticity for any timing time. While you should call or inform if lates, in India, you are mostly forgiven even when you are late for thirty minutes!

9. It is difficult to get respect for personal space

One of the downsides of overcrowding is lack of privacy. If you go to any crowded part of the city, the queues to the residential plots hardly share a considerable sense of distance. This can feel like getting on the nerves at first to see people jumping off the lines, and this is when you need to be stern if not rude to speak up for yourself.

10. No public display of affection

Holding hands in public is not a very rare sight but when in India, there is a limit. Kissing or hugging not always accepted very warm-heartedly in public spaces.