Etiquette Secrets: how to behave in India

India is very different, and this is not surprising: on its territory there are four religions are preserved many ancient traditions and customs still have a clear social division, and in every state speak their dialect (844 registered dialect). Recreational area filled with tourists - this is one India, megacities and rural areas - is very different. However, there is in India, and have something in common, some special traditions typical of this overpopulated planet piece. That's about it, we'll talk.

If you read any discussion of India will unfold in front of you familiar to all internet srach: someone will argue that India - a dirt, unsanitary conditions, cripples, beggars, AIDS and corpses in the Ganges, and someone that India - is the flow of life, peace of mind, insight, understanding, and kind people, full of self dignity.

Probably the right will be those, and others. In general, I would like to start with a small verse from the author by the name of StrannikFound in a blog. It is about the difference between Russia and India:

there Rastaman
Where rock 'n' roll
there gandzhubas
Here vodka on the table
There's a chain of events
That merged and flow
Where you think:
It would be necessary, and it is ...
There's sea and sun
And the thousands of stars
here underground
Metro and frost ...

By the way, if someone thought that India legalayz, it is not so: for there drugs in the same plant, as we do, and there have been cases of the bases for the tourists, when first sold, and then portray the arrest with the choice of "money or Liberty". But enough about the bad, let's talk about the traditions.

How to communicate in India: what can and can not

Hinduism is not accepted to shake hands, but instead serves as a welcoming gesture shake their own hands and tilt of the head, followed by the phrase "namaste". It can be translated as "I bow to thee as the divine essence." But, of course, in India are not only Hindus.

If you stretch out a hand, you can shake it, but women do not shake hands is accepted (however, as we have in most cases). Generally, touch the unknown woman, for example, take the hand is considered impolite, as well as any physical contact such as kissing or cuddling in a crowded place.

The tourist "reservations" customs differ slightly. For example, in Goa, traders can easily grab you by the hand to shout his proposal. Universal appeal to foreigners and the Indians too - "May frend» (my friend), and you may well appeal to all just starting a conversation.

Despite the abundance of languages ​​and dialects, most Indians understand Hindi or English. In tourist areas in general practically all speak English, so getting lost is almost impossible - you always prompt and explain everything.

But for the other areas here are some welcome and simple polite phrases in Hindi:

Welcome - Namaskar, Namaste, Ram-ram

See you soon - Fir milenge

Shubha Ratri - Goodnight

What is your name? - Up Give us Kya ho?

My name is... - The measure of our ho ...

Thanks - Dhanyavat, Shukria

Men Indians do not mind cuddling at the meeting, they can tap on the shoulder, and, in general, do not keep a greater distance. If you are friendly and completely communicate in a friendly manner, the comfort zone is narrower, and you too can tap on the shoulder or a hug. But! Only if you're a man.

Women are a bit more discreet and hugging in public, perhaps, only with very close friends - best friend, for example. And that, to cuddle with a man in public, can not be considered.

Generally, the most common gesture in India - head shaking. So Indians can express greetings, approval, consent or sympathy, so I do not regard it simply as a "yes." As a farewell Indians can nod your head, make a gesture of "Namaste" or just wave.

How to walk in the street

In Goa and all the tourist places all go for something light and in general, what is necessary. Russian daunshiftery, for example, can hang by ground in torn woolen socks instead of shoes.

But in other areas, so as not to engage the attention, it is best not to choose short clothes - skirts or shorts, and go to something more long, covering the legs. Also it is better not to wear the surrounding things or those that open a large space of naked skin (especially in rural areas).

But in general, the tourists are always condescending, so do not necessarily wrapped in a long robe, a personal calling and no bare shoulders and knees.

As for shoes, in many museums and temples have to remove the sandals, so if you stock up spare pair of cheap sandals, will be quieter at heart, and, in extreme cases, do not have to go back barefoot.

By the way, about the extreme cases: India - quite a poor country, so it is better to closely monitor their own stuff, for example, when resting on the bench or in any other place.

Smoking, alcohol and street beggars

Since 2008, in India there is a ban on smoking in public places: offices, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, bus stops, etc... But you can smoke in the open air or in areas equipped for smoking, which is also in restaurants and hotels.

Very not recommended to smoke in the temple, but I think that sensible people it would never come.

Drinking alcoholic beverages in public places it is also not recommended, for example, in the state of Uttaranchal for it can be fined about $ 120 for 3 months or thunder in jail. Tin.

Generally, it is undesirable to conflict with the locals, because if it comes to the police, the support will be on the side of the locals, and you are likely to get a ticket.

In different parts of India, a lot of little beggars, and it is not desirable to give money, because otherwise you will link for a crowd of screaming children, or they start fighting for your money. It is better to give them candy or cookies.

Well, if you were asked to wandering ascetics, give in any way. The same applies to Hindu temples, in which it is possible and desirable to leave offerings.

By the way, I must say a few words about the trade in India. Here to bargain, and it is everywhere - on the markets and shops. If you do not know how to bargain, it is necessary to learn or to buy all things three times more expensive.

Each has its own methodology: some long talk, others simply report its price and go, but the sellers return them by agreeing to the terms. In any case, the Indians - pretty friendly people, so do not get excited during auctions, and vybeshivaet them. Do not like it - go away.

How to go on a visit and to behave at the table

If you are invited to visit, you can please the owners present: to bring fruit, flowers or some souvenir from Russia. Just do not buy white flowers - they decided to give to the funeral.

Friends on important dates such as birthdays or weddings, you can donate money. Wrap gifts preferably in red, green or yellow paper, because these colors are considered lucky. Well, if you need to give something follower of Hinduism, do not try to pick them something leather.

If the Indians "gave back", do not open the gift immediately, and certainly do not take it with his left hand (remember, it is considered unclean, and it will be impolite).

The house is made take off one's shoes, however, as we have, so there is nothing surprising. You should definitely be offered drinks and food, but, most likely, no beef and no meat at all (for religious reasons, most Indians do not use in animal food).

Be prepared for the fact that you have to eat with your hands. I do not think we should talk about that before eating wash them better. While you can provide a spoon, for example, soup or rice, and in big cities also use forks and knives.

What it is very important - it is necessary to take food right hand because the left is considered unclean. Yes, left-handers have hard, on the other hand, can only eat with your left hand and the right not to use.

Before a meal can be touched only with his right hand

At the table, you can ask any personal questions, even if you are not very familiar with. There is nothing surprising or offensive, because the Indians - the curious people.

For example, it may be asked about the social status or the size of the salary. You, in turn, can also ask some personal questions, and the Indians will be pleased that you are interested in their lives.

When dinner was over, leave some food on your plate. This will show employers that you ate, and when your plate is empty, it means that you are still hungry. Some followers of Hinduism for food do not talk, but if you find yourself in such a society will understand it right away.

Business Etiquette

Business clothes in India is the same as in other countries - strict business suits for both men and women. In the business environment, by the way, women can also shake hands.

Punctuality Indian businessmen often do not have, and to be a little late for a meeting, there's nothing offensive.

But before you do meet, it may take a long time. It is advisable to meet with the right person through a third party, because in India prefer to know a person well before you do something with it to start, and a mutual friend add confidence.

When we first met, you can not get down to it: it is simply information sessions, in which the partners know each other better. You can present a potential partner a souvenir from Russia, but not too expensive and pretentious.

In dealings Indians prefer to negotiate (this feature is visible even in the ordinary course of trade), so do not be too stubborn and in any did not agree to concessions. Show flexibility, it is a good habit.

conclusion

Well, that's all that I wanted to say about etiquette in India. Someone loves this country, someone said it was dirty, smelly cesspool, someone comes here for spiritual enlightenment, as someone once arrived, remains forever (daunshiftery carefree, eg).

Say, India turned to each other party, and to decide what she would have to go there. Hopefully, the rules of etiquette will help you not to get into an awkward situation.

If you've ever been to India and know the other rules of etiquette, a huge request to share in the comments.