INDIA

Burak BORULUSelim TEPELER

India

Capital: New Delhi

Population: 1,065,070,607

Religions: Hindu 81.3%, Muslim 12%, Christian 2.3%

India

If you are male introduced to a lady or a

grown-up girl, don't take the initiative of offering a handshake. If she extends her hand, you must reciprocate, but don't be the first to extend your hand. If you are female and are being introduced to a male: it is up to you – the female – to take the initiative for a handshake. The rule of thumb is: the female extends her hand first, and the male reciprocates.

Do’s

Don't point your feet at people. Feet are

considered to be unclean and therefore it's important to avoid pointing your feet at people, or touching people or objects (particularly books) with your feet or shoes. If you accidentally do so, you should apologize straight away. Also, note that Indians will often touch their head or eyes as a show of apology. On the other hand, it's a sign of respect to bend down and touch an elder person's feet in India.

If you need a spoon, you will need to ask for it

or bring one along. Typically, people eat with their (right) hand.

You wash your hand after the meal.

Belching is not offensive.

Your tea/coffee will always be with milk and sugar.

The left hand is only used for one’s “morning

business.” Therefore, one does not touch anyone or receive/give anything with one’s left hand.

It’s customary to bring some small gifts as hostess gifts and. It can be as small as a postcard from your home region

Be careful of excessively friendly strangers,

especially in cities and tourist areas.

People are very resentful of Western (ignorant) judgments, and you will only do harm to the Gospel witness. If anyone asks you your beliefs, you certainly can and should share them in a positive manner.

Feel free to ask a lot of questions. People are

happy to tell you about the society and their religion.

People usually don’t converse while eating.

If you come unannounced to someone’s home, people don’t like to be disturbed while they are eating.

Don’ts

When you are a guest for a meal, typically you

socialize before the meal and dont leave during the meal.

Don’t drink any alcohol or smoke in public. It’s offensive

Don’t eat fresh fruit and vegetables that you

cannot peel.

Don’t ever complain about the food.

Do not try to get a tan. You will probably just

singe.

Women must dress modestly: no sleeveless blouses, no short skirts, no shorts, no low, loose collars

Men do not wear shorts

Do not hang your underwear in the open to

dry

Do not give out your address, e-mail address, or phone number, unless you are prepared to be besieged with contacts once you’re returned home.

Don’t give somebody a small financial help,

realize that they usually will continue to ask for more

You will see many “wild” dogs around. In fact, they are very well socialized. They will leave you alone.Don’t worry

Do not make comments of ridicule or

disrespect toward the society or any religion.

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