Indians, particularly in many regions and communities, use their hand (specifically the left hand) for cleaning after using the toilet because water is seen as the most effective and hygienic method for thorough cleansing, a tradition rooted in cultural and religious practices, with water considered superior to dry paper for true cleanliness, even leading some to view toilet paper as leaving residue, as explained in this University of Hawaii System article and this snippet from Wikipedia. The left hand is designated for hygiene tasks, while the right is for eating and greeting, making water washing a natural extension of this practice for many.
In parts of India and Arabia, people exclusively use their bare left hand for wiping. They consider it disgusting that other cultures use toilet paper, as it leaves behind an unpleasant residue.
Unlike Westerners, Indians use their hands and water to clean their bottoms. First, they touch the excreta with their fingers and then they clean those fingers subsequently. At one level, this highlights the particular emphasis that the Indian psyche gives to the removal of impure substances from the body.
The following may be considered offensive:
Keeping hands folded or in pockets while talking may be perceived as arrogance. Whistling and winking are usually perceived as rude and unacceptable – these actions have sexual connotations. Feet are considered unclean in India; avoid pointing your feet at a client.
After defecating, the anus must be washed with water using the left hand, or an odd number of smooth stones or pebbles called jamrah or hijaarah (Sahih Al-Bukhari 161, Book 4, Hadith 27). Many jurists agree that toilet paper suffices in place of these stones.
🤔 It has been observed that some people use the 🙏 (folded hands) emoji to signify prayer or gratitude in an Islamic context. However, in Islam, it's more appropriate to use the 🤲 (open hands) emoji when making Dua or showing thankfulness. The 🙏 emoji is more commonly associated with other faiths.
France, Portugal, Italy and Japan.
Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries usually have bidets in their bathrooms. A bidet looks like a toilet but also has a spout that sprays water like a fountain to thoroughly cleanse you.
Indian culture is based on respect for elders, family unity, honesty, and hard work. Indian values also emphasize education, both formal and informal.
In India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the social circles exposed to the western cultures use the middle finger gesture in the same sense that it is used in those cultures. The same is true for most South Asian countries. In Portugal, this gesture is also called "Pirete" or "Manguito".
In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, it has traditionally been perceived as "rude" behaviour to use the left hand for eating, as the left hand is commonly used for tasks considered "unclean".
Not all countries or cultures use toilet paper to wipe their bums. This can be because of cultures that have traditionally used alternatives to toilet paper and therefore never really used it or lack of access to toilet paper.
In India, toilet facilities are categorised into several types. The most sanitary is the flush/pour-flush type, which uses water to transport waste from the facility to a septic tank, sewer system, or pit. Pit latrines, which are dry, come next, though they vary widely in terms of hygiene.
Cultural Differences in Toilet Paper Usage
In Asia, bidets are a popular alternative to toilet paper. In the Middle East, water is used for personal hygiene after using the toilet. In Africa, the usage of toilet paper is not as common and many people resort to alternatives such as wiping with water or cloths.
Indian-style squat toilets are more traditional, require less infrastructure, and are considered more hygienic by some. Western-style toilets, or EWCs, are built for seated use and are seen as modern, easy to use, and better suited for people with limited mobility or health concerns.
India has long struggled to end open defecation, which still persists mostly in rural areas. Its efforts have primarily focused on addressing the cost of toilets by subsidizing their construction. In 1999, India launched the Total Sanitation Campaign to improve toilet access.
Public displays of affection are discouraged, though you may see members of the same sex holding hands in a friendly manner. Dress modestly. Women, in particular, should avoid revealing clothing. This means no sleeveless or low-cut shirts or tank tops, and no shorts.
The gesture was devised by Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy as a salute for the alien Vulcan species, and is popular within the science fiction fandom and nerd culture. The blessing phrase "live long and prosper" (written by Theodore Sturgeon) is frequently spoken alongside it.
Non-Verbal Dynamics. The thumbs-up gesture can be interpreted as rude. To indicate approval or agreement, it is more common to make a circle with the thumb and forefinger with the other fingers extended. Winking at a woman is considered inappropriate.
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. Men shake hands with men when meeting or leaving. Men do not touch women when meeting or greeting.
The average salary in India in 2025 is approximately 29834 (Indian Rupee) per month, i.e., 358000 INR per annum. The average salary is a bracket between a nation's average lowest and average highest salaries.
In many Amish homes, rags are a common toilet paper alternative. These rags are typically old clothes that have been worn out. After simple processing, they become practical cleaning tools.
Countries where you can't flush toilet paper
In Europe, you cannot flush toilet paper in Greece, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Turkey and Ukraine. Around the world, you are not allowed to flush toilet paper in Egypt, China, and rural South America either.
Parts of Southeast Asia: In countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, the plumbing systems can be easily overwhelmed. Here, it's common to use a “bum gun” or a bidet spray instead of toilet paper. If toilet paper is used, it should be thrown in a bin, not flushed.