Understand local customs without assuming everyone is the same
A custom you encounter in one city or family may be different at your next stop. Treat local advice as context for that situation rather than a rule for everyone in India.
Ask your host or venue staff what is expected. Listen to the answer and leave room in your plans for a different routine.
Greetings in India: hello, namaste and handshakes
A friendly hello is a useful starting point. Namaste, with palms together, is another greeting you may hear; you do not need to use a gesture you are unfamiliar with.
Let the other person lead on a handshake. If directions or timings are unclear, confirm the place and time in writing rather than relying on a gesture.
Try: “Could you show me the entrance?” or “Do you mean 9 in the morning?”
Etiquette at temples, mosques and other places of worship
Check visitor access, clothing, footwear and photography rules for the specific site before arriving. Worship may be taking place while visitors are present.
- Ask where to leave shoes and whether a head covering is needed.
- Keep entrances clear and voices low; put your phone on silent.
- Ask before touching objects, entering a ceremony or taking photos.
A scarf and easy-to-remove shoes can be useful, but the venue’s own instructions come first.
Photography etiquette and shared public spaces
Ask before taking a close-up photograph of someone, their home or their work. For children, seek a parent or guardian’s permission and respect the child’s own refusal too. Do not interrupt a ceremony for a photograph.
Keep paths clear for worshippers, residents and other visitors. If a queue or entry process is unclear, ask a member of staff before joining.
Set your own boundaries
You do not owe anyone a photograph, a conversation or an explanation about your personal life. Crowds are not consent to unwanted touching.
If you feel uncomfortable, move towards staff or a place where you can seek help. You can end an interaction without apologising for protecting your privacy.
Try: “No photo, thank you” or “I prefer not to discuss that.”
Home visits and dining etiquette in India
At the entrance to a home, ask where to leave your shoes. Check before bringing food or a gift, and tell your host about allergies or dietary needs before the meal.
At a shared meal, ask how dishes are served and use the serving utensils provided. If others eat with their hands, you can ask for cutlery; you do not need to imitate a style of eating that is unfamiliar to you.
Thank your host and decline food or drink that is unsuitable. A short explanation such as “Thank you, but I cannot eat this ingredient” is enough. Household customs and dietary preferences vary.
Bargaining, invitations and everyday courtesy
- Ask whether bargaining is welcome; accept fixed prices where indicated.
- When invited to a meal or event, confirm the time, address and any clothing expectations with your host.
- Avoid assumptions about someone’s religion, language or background.
- Respect a refusal, a closed door or an area reserved for worship.
A simple approach to an unfamiliar situation
Pause, observe and ask. You are a guest, but your comfort and consent matter too. You do not need to memorise a nationwide list of gestures to be a considerate visitor.
BEFORE YOU GO
Common questions
Find helpful answers and plan your next journey with confidence.
A friendly hello is a useful starting point. Namaste with palms together is another greeting you may hear. Let the other person lead on a handshake rather than assuming physical contact is welcome.
Check visitor access, clothing, head covering, footwear and photography instructions for that particular site. Keep voices low, avoid interrupting worship and ask before entering a ceremony.
Ask your host at the entrance and use the place they indicate for footwear. Household customs vary, so checking is more useful than assuming every home follows the same rule.
No. You can ask for cutlery if you prefer it. At a shared meal, ask how dishes are served and use the serving utensils provided.
Ask permission before taking a close-up photograph and respect a refusal. For children, seek a parent or guardian’s permission and respect the child’s refusal too. Follow the venue’s photography restrictions.
Use a short, clear response such as “No, thank you” or “I prefer not to discuss that.” Explain dietary needs when helpful. You can end an interaction that makes you uncomfortable.