Etiquette: Tips for Understanding & Engaging in Indian Culture (2024)

FAQs

How do you show respect to Indian culture? ›

When visiting temples or entering an Indian home, remove footwear and hats. Dress conservatively in a way that expresses respect for the place of worship or household. Wash your hands before and after eating. Avoid touching people with the left hand, as it is considered unclean and will cause insult.

Indian culture is based on respect for elders, family unity, honesty, and hard work. Indian values also emphasize education, both formal and informal. India is a land of great opportunity, and its citizens are known for their entrepreneurial spirit.

India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food and customs differ from place to place within the country. Indian culture, often labelled as a combination of several cultures, has been influenced by a history that is several millennia old, beginning with the Indus Valley Civilization.

The major religion in India is Hinduism. Almost 80% of Indians consider themselves Hindu. Hinduism can be found in many aspects of Indian culture, including in film and television. Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Islam are also practiced in India; Islam is the second largest religion in the country.

Nautanki, Puppets, Hari Katha, Comedy, Bhand Pather, Kariyala, Veedh-Natakam, Naqal, Villupattu, Powada and Baul, are some of the popular forms of traditional media found in India for communication of messages on social issues as well as on health.

The important characteristics of Indian Culture are civilized communication, beliefs, values, etiquette, and rituals. India is well known for its 'Unity in Diversity' across the world. That means India is a diverse nation where many religious people live together peacefully having their own different cultures.

Indians generally place a high value on harmony and unity with others, keeping a strong nexus with their community and relatives. A unified and interdependent community or family provides a support system that an individual can rely on daily.

India is one of the most religiously and ethnically diverse nations in the world, with some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures. Religion plays a central and definitive role in the life of many of its people. Although India is a secular Hindu-majority country, it has a large Muslim population.

Some common traditions of India are the Aghori sadhus of Varanasi, The Hola Mohalla warriors of Punjab, The Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, Chhau dance of Odisha, Thimithi aka the fire-walking tradition of Tamil Nadu and a festival to worship snakes: Nag Panchami.

What is Indian culture in simple words? ›

The culture of India refers to a collection of minor unique cultures. The culture of India comprises of clothing, festivals, languages, religions, music, dance, architecture, food, and art in India. Most noteworthy, Indian culture has been influenced by several foreign cultures throughout its history.

In India, people—especially when they are your elders, relatives, or close friends—tend to feel that by thanking them, you are violating your intimacy with them and creating formality and distance that shouldn't exist. They may think that you are closing off the possibility of relying on each other in the future.

Namaste. Probably the most famous Indian gesture is the folding of the hands in front of the chest to form a Namaste. This greeting is understood and often used throughout India.

Hindus celebrate Diwali, Holi and Makar Sakranti, Muslims observe Eid, Baisakhi (crop harvesting) is a Sikh festival, Jains commemorate Mahavir Jayanti and Buddhists mark Buddha's birthday.

In many parts of India and during formal occasions, it is common for people to greet with the traditional Hindu greeting of “Namaste” ('I greet the divine within you'). This is accompanied with a nod of the head or a bow depending on the status of the person you are greeting.

What is the core value of Indians? ›

Tolerance, compassion, patriotism India's core values: President Pranab Mukherjee.

India is famous for its ancient history, varied landscapes and diverse culture. Mark Twain, a celebrated American author, once said: “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great-grandmother of tradition.”

Elders and the respect for elders is a major component in Indian culture. Elders are the driving force for any family and hence the love and respect for elders comes from within and is not artificial. An individual takes blessings from his elders by touching their feet.

The best way to respect people from other cultures is to strike a balance between curiosity and appreciation: ask questions if your friends are open to it, but also learn how to just silently observe and appreciate the differences that make us unique.

Namaste is the customary Indian greeting that is not only used to welcome guests but also acknowledge strangers, working both as salutation and valediction. What's more, the gesture is said to express courtesy, honor, gratitude, and hospitality to the other person.

The two most important tenets of Indian culture are human Values and Holism. Human values refer to moral, spiritual and ethical values while Holism means oneness or unity. Indian culture is very rich and diverse and teaches us to be tolerant to others.

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.

Cultural respect benefits consumers, stakeholders, and communities and supports positive health outcomes. Because several elements can influence health communication—including behaviors, language, customs, beliefs, and perspectives—cultural respect is also critical for achieving accuracy in medical research.

It helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups. In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our own. So that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures.

Why is it important to interact with different cultures? ›

Developing your understanding of other cultures, or 'cultural awareness', lets you have more meaningful interactions with those around you. You're building your respect and empathy for other people, and celebrating your differences as well as your similarities.

In many parts of India and during formal occasions, it is common for people to greet with the traditional Hindu greeting of “Namaste” ('I greet the divine within you'). This is accompanied with a nod of the head or a bow depending on the status of the person you are greeting.

Namaste (/ˈnʌməsteɪ/, Devanagari: नमस्ते), sometimes called namaskar and namaskaram, is a customary Hindu non-contact manner of respectfully greeting and honouring a person or group, used at any time of day. It is found on the Indian subcontinent, and among the Nepalese and Indian diaspora.