Etiquette in India
Everyday customs that visitors and newcomers often find useful in India.
- Greeting Namaste with joined palms is widely understood. A handshake is common in business; wait for women to offer a hand first.
- Dining Eat and pass food with your right hand. Many people are vegetarian, so ask before ordering for a group.
- Home Remove shoes before entering homes and most temples. Accepting tea or a snack is a sign of friendship.
- Dress Cover shoulders and knees at temples, gurdwaras and mosques. A scarf is handy to cover your head where needed.
- Time Social events often start later than the invitation time. For business meetings, be on time anyway.
These are general customs, not rules or legal advice. They differ between regions, generations and families, and they change over time. For visas, residency and legal requirements always use the destination country's official government sources.