What is disrespectful in Indian culture?

Another non-Western habit is that pointing with your fingers is considered rude. Most Indian people use their fingers only to point to animals or inferior classes. Instead, use a head nodding gesture or your entire hand when pointing to a person. Feet are another body part that has significant meaning in India.
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What is considered disrespectful in Indian culture?

Do not step over a person sitting or lying on the floor, as it is offensive. Never touch anything with your feet, and don't point the bottom of your feet at religious altars or toward people. To avoid this, sit cross-legged or kneel on the floor while in a temple or holy place.
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What is disrespectful in Hindu?

The soles of one's feet should never be pointed at another person, towards a temple or towards a deity. Sit in a way that avoids this. The top of the head is considered to be the most important part of the human body. To touch someone on the top of their head is considered rude and insensitive.
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What is considered most respectful in Indian culture?

Meeting and Greeting

Westerners may shake hands, however, greeting with 'namaste' (na-mas-TAY) (placing both hands together with a slight bow) is appreciated and shows respect for Indian customs. Men shake hands with men when meeting or leaving. Men do not touch women when meeting or greeting.
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What should I avoid in India?

Top 20 Things to Avoid in India:
  • Avoid Being Afraid of Street Food in India.
  • Avoid Having High Expectations in India.
  • Avoid Preconceived Notions About India.
  • Avoid Bottled Water in India.
  • Avoid Only Using Private Transport in India.
  • Avoid Booking Last Minute in India.
  • Avoid Being Too Polite in India.
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14 Wacky Things About Indian Culture



Why is kissing not allowed in India?

Public display of affection a.k.a PDA is regarded as unacceptable in India. Kissing and hugging in public is a taboo. However, same-sex physical contact is allowed. In 2007, when actor Richard Gere kissed Shilpa Shetty in an AIDS awareness event in New Delhi, a warrant for his arrest was issued by an Indian court.
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Is eye contact rude in India?

Keep in mind that constant eye contact is not essentially usual, specifically when talking with female and someone with a lower organizational position. Do not back away while somebody is talking to you as it is considered rude and inappropriate.
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What are taboos in India?

10 Taboos to Avoid When Doing Business in India
  • Alcohol. Although many Indians imbibe, culturally speaking, alcohol is not viewed positively. ...
  • Divorce. Marriage is a cornerstone in Indian culture and as a result, divorce is a source of shame. ...
  • Sex. ...
  • Menstruation. ...
  • LBGTQ. ...
  • Mental illness. ...
  • Women smokers. ...
  • The Left Hand.
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How can I offend a person from India?

15 Classic Ways To Offend An Indian
  1. 1. " Who is Sachin Tendulkar?"
  2. 2. " So you worship cows? ...
  3. 3. " What's that red dot on your head?" ...
  4. 4. " So you are a Hindi? ...
  5. 5. " Can you teach me Tantrik Yoga?"
  6. 6. " It's basi cally just like Slumdog Millionaire , right?"
  7. 7. " You're 35, and you still stay with your mother?" ...
  8. 8. "
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Is it rude to say thank you in India?

In India, saying “thank you” is not taken lightly and if said in the wrong context, can be insulting and insincere. According to Singh, when someone is thanked in India, it implies a sincere debt of gratitude for going above and beyond the call of duty.
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What is not allowed in Hinduism?

Animal-derived fats such as lard and dripping are not permitted. Some Hindus do not eat ghee, milk, onions, eggs, coconut, garlic, domestic fowl or salted pork. Alcohol is generally avoided.
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Which hand gesture is inappropriate in India?

The left hand is considered to be unclean in India, as it's used to perform matters associated with going to the bathroom. Therefore, you should avoid your left hand coming into contact with food or any objects that you pass to people.
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Do Indians use toilet paper?

Toilet paper is not standard use in India. Rather, squat toilets are the standard type of toilet and it is expected that you will clean yourself afterward using water from a hand bidet sprayer, butterfly jet, hand shower or even a bucket of water.
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How guests are treated in India?

People in India have the highest regard for guests and value hospitality. A common saying here is “atithi devo bhav,” meaning, “Guests are forms of God.” The saying has as much meaning for Indian hosts as it does for foreign guests. In India, you are likely to be invited into the homes of people with whom you interact.
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What is the most Indian thing ever?

1. Little quirks anywhere and everywhere is the most Indian thing ever!
  • Shops during cricket matches. Every Indian shop when India plays cricket has people glued to the glass windows. ...
  • Use and Reuse and Reuse. Child is born. ...
  • The Dilemma. Me- Mom. ...
  • The Cool Dad. ...
  • Dissatisfaction. ...
  • Trying the same with him: ...
  • Scene 1. ...
  • Scene 2.
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Why do Indians eat with their hands?

Once we touch our food with our hands, the brain signals our stomach that we are ready to eat. This helps the stomach in getting ready to prepare itself for the food, thus improving digestion.
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Why do Indians touch feet?

Touching the feet of elders to seek their blessings is one of the nicer traditions in Hinduism. Some other communities practice it too, though to a lesser extent. Of course, you rarely touch the feet, it's more the movement of bending-bowing to show your respect. It is more prevalent in northern and central India.
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Why Is menstruation a taboo in India?

In India,Cultural norms and religious taboos on menstruation are often compounded by traditional associations with evil spirits, shame and embarrassment surrounding sexual reproduction. In some regions, women bury their cloths used during menstruation to prevent them being used by evil spirits.
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What are Indian superstitions?

9 Superstitions Indians Still Believe
  • Do not sweep after sunset.
  • Do not cut nails after sunset.
  • Meat should not be consumed on certain days.
  • Eat curd before heading out.
  • Eclipses are bad omens for pregnant women.
  • An itchy left palm means money is coming to you.
  • Adding one rupee to gift money is lucky.
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What are examples of taboo?

Examples of Common Taboo Activities and Beliefs
  • abortion - terminating a pregnancy.
  • addiction - use of illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs or alcohol.
  • adultery - sexual intercourse with someone other than your spouse.
  • asking a woman's age - it is generally considered off-limits to ask a woman how old she is.
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What are the attitudes of Indian people?

Mellowness, Tolerance and Having a Good Time. It has been said that Indians are not naturally assertive: that they are gentle, accepting, forgiving of shortcomings, use euphemisms. One man in western India told the New York Times, “Americans walk very fast because they are very busy and have things to do.
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How do you greet in India?

Namaste – is the traditional way of greeting people that has been in practice for so long across most local traditions of the Indian heritage. To greet someone in this fashion, you just have to join both the palms together in a worshipful pose and say 'Namaste'.
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Is hugging legal in India?

However, the Supreme Court of India on various occasions have said that kissing or hugging between adults in public is legal.
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Is holding hands in public illegal in India?

Indian Legal Provisions on public display of affection

The guilty is punished with an imprisonment of three months which may extend, or with fine or with both.
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Is making out in car legal in India?

So basically speaking YES - they can arrest under that section if the said police officers or any other member of the public report it "annoying" and "obscene" if they chance upon a couple making out in the car where it has potential to be "publicly viewed" being parked in a public place.
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