Indian Culture and Customs

India follows an ancient code of society but is a modern State. The Indian people embrace their culture and respect the dignity of their friends and foes alike. Due to the reason that Indian culture was more amenable in respecting the inherent worth of others, it had the tendency to overlook the so called alien aspects and build a society based on the principles of cooperation rather than competition.

Because of such culture People from far and wide were attracted to India. India has always welcomed and accommodated people from foreign societies. The very fact that Indian culture could withstand and flourish amidst foreign ideologies both social and religious, speaks volumes for its eclecticism. In a way Indian culture has emphasized some of the fundamental principles of modern day philosophy of human rights from time past which may be evidenced in a declaration made in the Rig Veda:
Whether one is superior or inferior all are brothers. All the citizens should struggle for the interest of them and should progress collectively.

A distinctive feature of Indian culture is its thorough understanding of nature, human values and dignity of man, his or her relation with other fellow beings in the universe and with the universe as a whole.
While travelling in India the travelers should respect the customs and culture of the local people. When trekking you will have a chance to meet and interact with friendly local people. In India, trekking is a fascinating cultural experience and most rewarding. Here are some tips which help you to act and appear respectful when it comes to Indian culture and customs:

Clothing
In India the best thing to do especially for women is to dress modestly. As a general rule, your clothing should be below the knee and should cover the shoulders. Bare shoulders are a sign of immortality especially for women who will attract unwanted attention from men. Traditionally, Indian women wear a sari and blouse.. Only in major cities will you see women wearing skimpy clothing and then very rarely. The local men mostly wear shirts and pants. It’s acceptable for travelling males to wear longish shorts and tea shirts. You should avoid going bare chested especially in the remote areas. Most of the old people put a topi (hat) on their head. Wearing appropriate clothing is respectful and people will treat you accordingly.

Food
Most Indians eat with their hands and don’t feel comfortable while eating with utensils. They use their right hand for eating and left hand is used for toilet hygiene purposes. If you are invited into a house to eat you may find that they don’t have cutlery. You will be shown a place to wash your hands and face before and after eating. Your plate is considers as only yours once you commence eating you should not share or offer this food to anyone else. You should also eat everything that is put in front of you. If you feel you have been given too much food, ask them to take some away before you commence eating, this is perfectly acceptable and is more appreciated than wasting food.

Hygiene
All bodily secretion and products are considered polluted. A Hindu person will not step over your feet or legs. You should not touch people on the head nor should you touch or point your feet at people. This can be a grave insult. The left hand is also considered polluted; you should never offer it to someone. Normally Hindu people do not use toilet paper or tissues they find it unhygienic. In the toilet there will be water for washing your parts with. You should use your left hand only for this. Don’t expect to find toilet paper in private houses esp. in remote areas. Also you should note that in most hotels and restaurants toilet paper is provided but you should put it in the bin provided, not flush it down the toilet as this can block the plumbing.

Men and women
Physical contact between men and women should be avoided in public. Though you will notice that it is acceptable for boys and to hold hands etc and vise versa for girls. Don’t be surprised to see boys walking arm in arm and hugging. These things are signs of friendship and should not be taken any other way. You will never see Indian men and women displaying signs of affection towards each other.

At The Temple
You should be especially sensitive about etiquette in places of worship. Dress conservatively and keep shoulders and knees covered. Always take off your shoes before entering. Beware that some Hindu temples do not allow non Hindus to enter. Also you should ask before taking photos of religious festivals, cremation grounds and the inside of the temples.  If you are wearing leather belt you will be refused entry into the temple. Also you should note that cows are a sacred animal in India and injuring or killing them is an offence. You will find cows roaming freely all over the place.