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India is a vast country and different customs are
followed in different parts of the country. You may find
the metros more liberal and cosmopolitan - as would be
the case anywhere into the world - and you may come
across various unusual customs as you move into the
hinterland, preserved over thousands of years. You may
also find that in general, the attitude to life is
vastly different from that in the western world.
However, Indians are a hospitable people and usually
take in their stride your different ways. Nevertheless,
there may be certain situations where your not following
the accepted norm will be seen as a sign of disrespect.
These are the situations you need to know about.
Always remove your shoes before entering a holy place -
a temple, gurudwara or mosque. Gurudwaras will also
require you to cover your head. In general, dress
conservatively at a place of worship.
Do not touch any holy object with the feet or your left
hand. Also, do not give, take or point at anything with
the left hand. If you are required to eat with your
fingers at any place, do not use the left hand.
Public show of affection is generally disapproved of
particularly in smaller cities and villages. Avoid it.
Avoid wearing clothes that bare your arms and legs - in
the small cities and villages in particular. Metros are
fairly liberal in this particular respect.
Always follow the rules written on notice boards at holy
places. These may include 'leather objects not allowed',
'cameras not allowed', 'menstruating women not allowed',
and so on.
Giving tips is customary but not mandatory. At
restaurants, the usual rule of 10 per cent applies.
Bargaining for a lesser price is a fairly common fact of
life, especially at local bazaars, with rickshaws and
auto-drivers. However, recognised and larger shops and
departmental stores will usually charge fixed prices.
IST stands for Indian Standard Time but people will
smile and inform you that it may be read as Indian
'Stretchable' Time. No, things may not always move as per
schedule in India! |
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