Eye Contact: In general, Indians prefer to keep eye contact minimal or avert their eyes from the opposite gender rather than sustaining eye contact. Some women may avoid eye contact altogether. Direct eye contact is generally appropriate so long as you divert your gaze every so often.
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.
Indians expect people to greet the eldest or most senior person first. When greeting elders, some Indians may reach down and touch the ground or the elder's feet as a sign of respect. It is advisable to address people by their title (Mr, Mrs, etc.)
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.
Eye Contact: In general, Indians prefer to keep eye contact minimal or avert their eyes from the opposite gender rather than sustaining eye contact. Some women may avoid eye contact altogether. Direct eye contact is generally appropriate so long as you divert your gaze every so often.
Adab (Hindustani: آداب (Nastaleeq), आदाब (Devanagari)), from the Arabic word Aadaab (آداب), meaning respect and politeness, is a hand gesture used in the Indian subcontinent, by the Urdu-speaking while greeting, as well as many non-Muslims (Hindus and Christians) in north India.
The etiquette of Indian dining and socializing varies with the region in India. All Indians wash their hands thoroughly prior to dining, then eat with their fingers, with the use of minimal cutlery (practice followed in some parts of India, in other parts cutlery use is common).
In India, a head bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it means yes, or is used to indicate understanding. The meaning of the head bobble depends on the context of the conversation or encounter.
An obscene gesture is a movement or position of the body, especially of the hands or arms, that is considered exceedingly offensive or vulgar in some particular cultures.
Showing Appreciation to Strangers in India
Dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद्): Pronounced “Dun-Yuh-Vahd,” this is a more formal thank you and used when speaking to an elder or an authority figure. It can also be used to connote an extra special feeling of gratitude—such as receiving a gift.
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.
In India, touching the feet of elders is considered to be one of the important common gestures. It is considered to be a way of giving respect to elders and seeking their blessings. Also known as Charan Sparsh, it has been followed for ages, probably since the Vedic period.
The same thank you in Hindi does not carry the same connotation; in fact, saying 'thank you' – dhanyavaad – can often come across as sarcastic and disrespectful! This is because in the Hindi language, there is already an unspoken understanding of gratitude.
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.
The Indian head wobble to say 'yes' or 'thank you'
The same head nod is used to show that the person is being attentive to what you're saying. You will observe that the same head shaking gesture is used by someone to show their gratitude. At such times the head nod is accompanied with a smile.
Finishing food
Leaving food on your plate is not appreciated in Indian culture. It isn't necessary to taste each and every dish that is served, but whatever you place on your plate must be finished. Also, do not play with food or distort it in any way.
Dress conservatively, especially if you are a woman. Revealing clothes and exposed skin are frowned upon and will make everyone in the house uncomfortable. 2. It is not necessary to take a gift when visiting a home, though it is always appreciated.
Kissing and embracing are regarded in India as part of sex: do not do them in public. In more conservative areas (ie outside Westernized parts of big cities or tourist enclaves), it is still rare for couples to hold hands, though Indian men can sometimes be seen holding hands as a sign of “brotherliness”.
The thumbs up usually means that all is well. In South India, however, this gesture is used differently. Here, the thumb is raised a little and you look questioningly to find out what is going on. If you also stretch your head in a demanding way, the gesture is reinforced.
Mutual respect and reverence must also be grounded in a value for the dignity and sacred worth of the human being. The Hindu tradition teaches that God exists equally in all beings. There is no life outside of God and there is nothing that exists which is not sustained by God. No being is excluded.