Indian Culture & Etiquette – How to Be a Respectful Guest

Bride's hands decorated with henna during an Indian wedding ceremony

Indians are famously hospitable – "the guest is god" is a proverb people actually live by. In return, a little cultural awareness goes a long way. These guidelines on greetings, dress, temple behaviour, dining and photography will help you avoid awkward moments and open doors to genuine encounters on your tour.

Greetings and conversation

The traditional greeting is "Namaste" with palms pressed together at chest level and a small bow. Handshakes are common in business and cities, but wait for a woman to offer her hand first. Use titles and surnames until invited to do otherwise, and expect questions about your family, job and salary – curiosity, not rudeness. The famous Indian head wobble usually means "yes" or "okay".

Elderly woman greeting with folded hands in the namaste gesture — Namaste: the universal Indian greeting

Dress code

Cover shoulders and knees in cities, villages and all religious sites.
Women may wish to carry a scarf to cover the head in mosques, gurdwaras and some temples.
Swimwear belongs at the pool or beach only; even in Goa, cover up when leaving the sand.
Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, gurdwaras and private homes. Socks are usually fine.

Dancer twirling in a flowing red traditional dress — Traditional dress is worn every day and at every festival

Temples, mosques and gurdwaras

Walk clockwise around shrines and never point your feet at a deity or a person.
Leather items (belts, bags) are forbidden in some Jain and Hindu temples.
Photography is often banned in inner sanctums – look for signs or ask your guide.
Accept prasad (blessed food) with your right hand.
In Sikh gurdwaras, cover your head, and feel free to join the free community meal (langar).
Non-Hindus may not enter a few temples (for example Jagannath in Puri); your guide will tell you in advance.

Stone shikhara tower of a Hindu temple surrounded by palm trees — Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering a temple

Dining and the right hand

Many Indians eat with their right hand; the left is considered unclean. If you try it, use only your fingertips and tear bread with one hand. Cutlery is always available in restaurants. It is polite to leave a little food on your plate when invited to a home, and a small gift (sweets, flowers) is appreciated. Chai will be offered everywhere – accepting it is the quickest way to make friends.

Chai wallah pouring tea at a traditional Indian tea stall — Chai is offered everywhere – accept it

Bargaining, tipping and photography

Bargaining is expected in bazaars (start at about half the asking price and smile), but not in fixed-price shops, restaurants or taxis with meters. Tipping is customary: 10% in restaurants, 100–200 rupees per bag for porters, and for your driver and guides we suggest guidelines in your travel pack. Always ask before photographing people, especially women and holy men; some sadhus expect a small payment. Avoid photographing military installations, airports and cremation ghats.

Frequently asked questions

Holding hands is fine in cities; kissing in public is frowned upon almost everywhere outside Goa's beaches.

We recommend not giving cash, which can fuel organised begging. Our tours support local NGOs and we can suggest good ways to help.

Still have questions? Our team answers within one working day. Call +44 7915 382603, write to contact@visit-to-india.com or see the FAQ.