We are going to India - rules and etiquette. Etiquette in India History of business communication in India

This short note talks about the general rules of conduct in India and gives an initial idea of the security measures that should be observed in India.
So...

To make your trip to India unforgettable only in good sense of this word, it is necessary to observe elementary precautions, as well as take into account the peculiarities of the culture of this fabulously beautiful country. Representatives of various nations and religious denominations live here. The majority, of course, are Hindus (80%), followed by Muslims (13%). The number of Christians in India is small, only 2%, as well as the Sikhs. Representatives of Jainism, Parsism, Buddhism and other ethno-confessional groups are not at all numerous here.

In general, the population of India is quite friendly and harmless people. Therefore, if tourists treat their culture with respect, then there are practically no problems.

How to behave in public places and temples in India?

1. When entering temples and mosques, you must take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance. A special person takes care of the shoes. When leaving the temple, you can thank him with a few rupees. Helpful Tip: For events like this, it's a good idea to stock up on socks that you can throw away after use.

2. Clothing for visiting holy places should be chosen modest and closed. In mosques, women are allowed to arrive only in long skirts, their heads and shoulders must be covered. And in Sikh temples, both women and men must be covered with a head covering.

3. Leather products in temples are perceived as a sign of disrespect and even insult. If such excursions are planned, then it is better to leave such things at the hotel.

4. Before taking photos and videos in the temple, you must definitely ask permission from its ministers. If there is a desire to photograph people on the street, then they should be thanked with a few rupees.

5. Free morals in communication between a man and a woman are not acceptable here. A man, greeting a woman, should not take her by the hand, and in general should not touch her in any way during a conversation, for example, put his hand on her shoulder.

6. When communicating with Indians, you should behave calmly, balanced, in no case shout or show your emotions violently. Otherwise, they just won't talk. It is also unacceptable to point with the index finger.

7. As a sign of disrespect, turning the soles of the shoes in one direction can be regarded. Here you need to be careful.

How to choose the right clothes for traveling in India?

AT summer time in both south and north India, short-sleeved clothing may be worn. It is best to give preference to cotton fabrics. In winter, you can not do without warm clothes. Sweaters and jackets must be in the traveler's wardrobe. In mountainous areas, you will also need a warm jacket with fur. Shoes should be comfortable and appropriate for the season.
Women should not wear revealing clothing. T-shirts, sleeveless or low-cut blouses, shorts and miniskirts are best left at home. Then there will be no danger of offending the feelings of chaste Indians, and this will also avoid sexual attacks from local representatives of the stronger sex. Such cases are quite rare, but still you should not give an extra reason.

Should I tip in India and how much?
Tips are treated very positively here, so a gratitude of 2-15 rupees will absolutely not offend anyone. In restaurants, tips are usually 10-15% of the bill. In large hotels, tips are included in the cost of services in the form of a ten percent surcharge for the service, so they are not required here.
A tip is also worth thanking the driver or guide if you are satisfied with their services. The driver can help hire porters, often he also plays the role of meeting. Tipping the driver - from 20 to 100 rupees.

How to get around India: public transport or car?
For a beginner, self-driving a car in settlements India is extremely problematic. Local drivers are very disorganized, dangerous situations are created by them all the time, but if this is in the order of things for them, then a European driver on Indian roads has a hard time.
But there is a well-developed network public transport. You can take a bus, take a taxi or hire a three-wheel auto rickshaw. You can travel between cities by bus or train. Traveling by train will be pleasant, comfortable and safe if you choose first and second class carriages or seated carriages, in both cases with air conditioning. If traveling by train is part of the tour, a greeter with a sign will be waiting on the platform at the point of arrival. If he did not appear immediately upon the arrival of the train, then there is no need to go anywhere, it is better to wait until the crowd disperses, then he will definitely appear.

How to avoid health problems in India?
First of all, you should drink only pure water, soda or mineral. It is sold in plastic bottles at a price of 10-15 rupees per liter, and you can buy it everywhere.
Do not use local ice in small towns and unfamiliar places.
As for nutrition, in the early days it is better to be careful in choosing unfamiliar dishes and give preference to simple vegetarian food and fruits.
Abuse of meat dishes of national cuisine can lead to indigestion. The food consumed should be hot, cooked on fire.

Salads made from fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as peeled fruits, should also be eaten only in well-established proven places and nowhere else. Fruit bought from the market should be thoroughly washed before consumption. It is best to refrain from snacking on the street. And, of course, be sure to wash your hands before eating. With soap. Mandatory travel companions should be hygienic alcohol wipes, as well as special hand sanitizers.

By the way, the service in restaurants is very slow, so if during the tour you want to dine in a restaurant, you can lose two hours and not have time to visit the planned sights before dark (5-6 pm), or before they close. With a busy schedule of excursions, it would be ideal to have a hearty breakfast, and then wait for dinner.

No vaccinations are required to enter India. But you need to take a first aid kit with you. It should include remedies for diarrhea, allergies, throat infections, aspirin, or another proven antipyretic, pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as various antibiotics. Also in the first aid kit should be insect repellent, bandages, antiseptic ointment and water purification tablets. Salt tablets will help with heat exhaustion in summer, they should also be taken.

As a matter of fact, in India there are no problems with pharmacies and here you can buy almost any medicine, but first you will need to explain to the seller what exactly you need. There is also a whole network of Ayurvedic pharmacies where you can buy effective Ayurvedic medicines.

1. do not take any medications on your own, especially antibiotics - there is a high probability that if you are not a doctor, you will make a wrong diagnosis for yourself, and accordingly, you will not be treated for anything.

2. Do not use folk and Ayurvedic medicines: these remedies are good for prolonged health promotion, but not for emergency treatment of diseases.

3. contact the nearest paid clinic for a doctor's advice.

4. Be sure to do tests.

5. even if you do not have insurance - medical services in India are provided at low prices, while the quality of Indian medicine is at a fairly high level, express tests are done within an hour, medicines are very effective. After an accurate diagnosis is established, strictly follow the doctor's instructions for taking prescribed medications. Proper treatment will relieve you of the disease within 3 to 4 days.

Theft in India, money exchange in India, loss of documents in India.
1. In general, Indians are friendly and welcoming to tourists, but cases of petty theft are still not uncommon.
Therefore, you should be careful when walking and in public places.
It is recommended to always carry money and a passport with you, and not leave it in hotels.

2. It is worth exchanging money only in exchange offices specially designed for this.
When exchanging, you need to carefully look at all the banknotes that you will be given: wrinkled, worn, torn banknotes, banknotes filled with paint - it is better to politely return
and ask to exchange for new ones, since you will not accept dilapidated rupee bills for payment.

3. Going to India - be sure to make a photocopy of your passport: the first page and the page with a visa.
It is also desirable to have 2-3 photographs of 3x4 format with you.
This will be useful to you in case of issuing internal permits for India and in case the documents are still lost.
If you lose your passport, you should contact the embassy of your country.

4. In case of loss of the ticket, you need to contact the representative office of the airline whose services you used when purchasing the ticket.
The ticket will be restored to you upon presentation of a passport and a statement about the loss.

Customs regulations when entering India:
1. The import and export of previously imported foreign currency in India is not limited, but the export of the national currency is prohibited.

2. Cash in the amount of more than 10,000 US dollars is subject to mandatory declaration. Also, according to the official version, personal computers and laptops are subject to declaration, but in practice, equipment almost never fits into the declaration, which does not interfere with its easy transportation through customs.

3. Officially allowed duty-free import of up to 200 cigarettes, or up to 50 cigars, spirits - up to 0.95 liters, jewelry, food and household items - within the limits of personal needs. Cigarettes in packed luggage were easily transported up to 10 blocks - when they went to India for several months.

4. It is prohibited to import drugs and preparations containing narcotic substances, weapons and ammunition into India without proper permits.

5. It is forbidden to export from India the skins of wild animals and plumage of birds, skins and products made from the skins of rare reptiles and ivory.
The export from India of living plants, gold and silver bullion, antiquities and antiques made more than 100 years ago is also prohibited.

6. For the export of jewelry from India, it is mandatory to provide a certificate, which must be taken from the seller when buying. However, if jewelry is worn on you or packed in luggage, no one pays attention to them and does not require certificates.

These are the most general rules that you should know and remember when you travel to India for the first time.
Everything else - will come with experience and will become for you a self-explained behavior in India.
But not at once.
It will take a little time.

Indian society is extremely conservative - its daily life is imbued with many important ritualized actions and norms of behavior, the knowledge of which can greatly facilitate communication with the local population for any visitor to this country.

Indian greeting. In India, it is not customary to shake hands when meeting. It is replaced by a special gesture - namaste or namaskar (palms of the hands folded in front of the chest and bow), which has a deep mystical meaning. Similarly, it is customary to greet the images of deities and saints in the temples of India - in this case, the “boat” in a bow is pressed against the forehead. In India, only a man with a man can shake hands.

By the way, the word namaste(loosely translated “the divine in me welcomes the divine in you”) is an accurate and concise expression of one of the fundamental ideas of Hinduism, according to which every living being (and the universe as a whole) is a particle of the God who created it.

Rules of decency in a relationship between a man and a woman. In India, any public display of feelings between a man and a woman is considered indecent. Hugs, kisses or even the usual holding of hands can deeply offend the feelings of many zealots of traditional Indian morality.

Too revealing clothes not accepted in Indian society. Despite the hot climate, wearing clothing that reveals the legs above the ankles, as well as the shoulders and most of the arms, can cause a negative reaction from Hindus (especially in rural areas). When visiting temples and other places of worship, a similar outfit completely excluded.

Indecent gestures. Pointing a finger in the direction of someone in India is considered a sign of disrespect. Showing your interlocutor the soles of your feet may seem no less offensive. It will be especially offensive to touch a Hindu with the left hand, which is traditionally considered unclean.

Inside the temples. When entering any temple in India (it is considered polite to take off your shoes when entering any room). A similar restriction applies to mosques, gurudwaras (Sikh temples) and tombs of saints. Removed shoes can be deposited with a special employee or left in the care of local "enthusiasts" for a small baksheesh. An alternative to parting with shoes in most cases can be putting on medical shoe covers over shoes, for which you need to purchase them at the entrance or bring them with you in advance. Taking pictures in temples India is possible only after the permission of local clergy.

sacred animals. Cows are revered by Hindus as sacred animals and are protected by government laws. Any disrespectful behavior towards cows (in the many roaming the streets of Indian cities) can cause an extremely negative reaction from the usually calm Hindus. Killing a cow is a criminal offense in many states of India. The respectful attitude of the Hindus extends to such Indian animals as monkeys (descendants of the god Hanuman) and peacocks (associated with the god Krishna).

Dances and Music of India

One of the most striking manifestations of Indian culture is the classical music of india. The history of Indian music dates back thousands of years - its traditions date back to the texts of the second most important Vedic canon Sama Veda ("Veda of chants"). Today, classical Indian music is divided into 2 main areas: karnataka(Northern India) and Hindustani(South India).

The basis for understanding the traditional music of India are the concepts "tala"(rhythmic pattern) and "raga"(melodic construction of music). Indian ragas are both easy and difficult to understand. They have a very sophisticated structure and execution rules, but appeal to simple human feelings which the musician must convey to the listeners. The man who introduced the West to the classical music of India was the legendary virtuoso Ravi Shankar, whose exotic and elegant instrument, the sitar, is today one of the most recognizable symbols of Indian culture.

The most popular direction of contemporary music in India, of course, are melodies and songs from Bollywood films (indie pop). Indie pop mixes elements of Indian folk rhythms, lyrical Sufi songs and Western pop music.

Another ancient view art of india, which gained new popularity thanks to Bollywood, is a traditional dance. Indian dances, like music, originated many millennia ago as part of religious rituals at temples. The classical dance art of India includes a complex set of postures and movements, each of which has its own symbolic meaning. In addition to classical dances, folk dances are also popular in India, one of the brightest representatives of which is the Punjabi harvest dance bhangra. Classical and folk dances of India, combined with elements of Western popular dances, served as the basis for the dance numbers of Indian cinema, which eventually became a kind of hallmark of this country.

India is very different, and this is not surprising: there are four religions on its territory, many ancient traditions and customs have been preserved here, there are still clear social divisions, and each state speaks its own dialect (844 registered dialects). Resorts filled with tourists are one India, megacities and rural areas are completely different. However, India also has something in common, some special traditions that are characteristic of this overpopulated piece of the planet. Here we will talk about them.

If you read any discussion of India, you will see the usual Internet srach unfold before you: someone will argue that India is filth, unsanitary conditions, cripples, beggars, AIDS and corpses in the Ganges, and someone that India is it is the flow of life, calmness, insight, awareness and kind people full of self-respect.

Probably both will be right. In general, I would like to start with a small verse from an author named Strannik, found in one blog. This is about the difference between Russia and India:

There are rastamans
It's rock 'n' roll
There ganjubas
Here is vodka on the table
There are chains of events
that merged a stream
Here you think:
I need this and that...
There is the sea and the sun
And thousands of stars
Here underground
Subway and cold...

By the way, if someone thought that there is legalization in India, this is not so: they are imprisoned for drugs in the same way as we do, and there were cases of set-ups for tourists when they first sell, and then stage an arrest with the choice of “money or freedom ". But enough about the bad, let's talk about traditions.

How to communicate in India: do's and don'ts

In Hinduism, it is not customary to shake hands; instead, the gesture of shaking one's own hands and tilting the head, accompanied by the phrase "namaste", serves as a greeting. This can be translated as "I bow to you as a divine being." But, of course, not only Hindus live in India.

If they give you a hand, you can shake it, but it’s not customary for women to shake hands (however, like in most of our cases). In general, touching an unfamiliar woman, for example, holding her hand, is considered indecent, as is any physical contact like a kiss or hug in a public place.

In tourist "reservations" customs are somewhat different. For example, in Goa, merchants can easily grab your hand to shout their offer. The universal appeal to foreigners, and Indians too, is “my friend” (my friend), and you may well address everyone the same way when starting a conversation.

Despite the abundance of languages and dialects, most Hindus understand Hindi or English language. In tourist areas, in general, almost everyone speaks English, so it’s almost impossible to get lost - they will always prompt you and explain everything.

Well, for other areas, here are some greetings and just polite phrases in Hindi:

Hello - Namaskar, Namaste, Ram-ram

See you soon - Fir milenge

Shubh ratri - good night

What is your name? - Ap ka us kya he?

My name is... - Measure us... heh

Thanks - Dhanyawat, Shukriya

Indian men do not mind hugs when they meet, they can pat on the shoulder, and, in general, do not keep a great distance. If you are quite friendly and communicate in a friendly manner, the comfort zone narrows, and you too may be patted on the shoulder or hugged. But! Only if you are a man.

Women behave more restrained and hug in public, except perhaps with very close people - their best friend, for example. And about hugging a man in public is out of the question.

In general, the most common gesture in India is shaking the head. This is how Indians can express greeting, approval, sympathy or agreement, so it should not be regarded simply as “yes”. In parting, Indians may nod their heads, make a namaste gesture, or simply wave.

How to walk outside

In Goa and all the tourist places, everyone wears something light and whatever they need. Russian downshifters, for example, may dangle around the city in tattered woolen socks instead of shoes.

But in other areas, in order not to attract attention, it is better not to choose short clothes - skirts or shorts, and walk in something longer that covers the legs. It's also best not to wear tight-fitting clothing or anything that exposes a lot of bare skin (especially in rural areas).

But in general, tourists are always treated with condescension, so it is not necessary to wrap yourself in long hoodies, just nothing defiant and without bare shoulders and knees.

As for shoes, many museums and temples will require you to take off your sandals, so stocking up on a cheap spare pair of sandals will give you peace of mind and, in a pinch, you won't have to go back barefoot.

Speaking of extreme cases: India is enough poor country, so it's better to keep a close eye on your things, for example, when relaxing on a bench or anywhere else.

Smoking, alcohol and street beggars

Since 2008, India has banned smoking in public places: offices, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, bus stops, etc. But you can smoke outdoors or in places equipped for smoking, which are also in restaurants and hotels .

Drinking alcohol in public places is also not recommended, for example, in the state of Uttaranchal, you can get a fine of about $ 120 for this or go to jail for 3 months. Tin.

In general, it is undesirable to get into conflicts with the locals, because if it comes to the police, support will be on the side of the locals, and you will most likely receive a fine.

In different parts of India there are many little beggars, and it is undesirable to give money to them, because otherwise a whole crowd of screaming children will follow you or they will fight over your money. It is better to give them candy or cookies.

Well, if you were asked by wandering ascetics, give at least some. The same applies to Hindu temples, in which it is possible and even desirable to leave offerings.

By the way, I must say a few words about trade in India. It is customary to bargain here, and, moreover, everywhere - in the markets and in shops. If you do not know how to bargain at all, you will have to learn or buy all things three times more expensive.

Everyone has their own methodology: some talk for a long time, others simply tell their price and leave, and the sellers return them, agreeing to the terms. In any case, the Indians are quite friendly people, so do not get excited during the auction and get mad at them. Don't like it - leave.

How to visit and behave at the table

If you are invited to visit, you can please the hosts with a gift: bring fruits, flowers, or some souvenir from Russia. Just do not buy white flowers - it is customary to give them for funerals.

You can give money to friends on important dates like a birthday or wedding. It is advisable to wrap gifts in red, green or yellow paper, because these colors are considered lucky. Well, if you need to give something to a follower of Hinduism, do not try to choose something leather for them.

If the Indians have given away, do not open the gift immediately, and certainly do not accept it with your left hand (remember, it is considered unclean, and this will be impolite).

It is customary in the house to take off your shoes, however, like ours, so nothing surprising. You will definitely be offered drinks and food, but most likely without beef and no meat at all (for religious reasons, most Indians do not eat animals).

Be prepared to eat with your hands. I think it is not necessary to say that it is better to wash them before eating. Although you may be provided with a spoon, for example, for soup or rice, forks and knives are also used in big cities.

What is very important - you need to take food with your right hand, because the left is considered unclean. Yes, left-handers will have a hard time, on the other hand, you can only eat with your left hand, and not use your right.

Food can only be touched with the right hand

At the table, you may be asked some personal questions, even if you do not know each other very well. There is nothing surprising or offensive in this, because Indians are curious people.

For example, they might ask about social status or salary. You, in turn, can also ask some personal questions, and the Indians will be pleased that you are interested in their life.

When dinner is over, leave some food on your plate. This will show the hosts that you are full, and if your plate is empty, then you are still hungry. Some Hindus don't talk while eating, but if you get into such a society, you will immediately understand this.

Business Etiquette

Business attire in India is the same as in other countries - formal business suits for both men and women. In a business environment, by the way, women can also shake hands.

Indian businessmen are often not punctual, and there is nothing offensive in being a little late for a meeting.

But it may be a long time before you meet at all. It is desirable to get acquainted with the right person through a third party, because in India they prefer to get to know a person well before starting anything with him, and a common acquaintance will add trust.

At the first meeting, you may not get to the point: it will be just an introductory conversation in which the partners get to know each other better. You can present a potential partner with some souvenir from Russia, but not too expensive and pretentious.

In business relations, Indians prefer to negotiate (this feature noticeable even in ordinary trading), so do not be too stubborn and not agree to any concessions. Be flexible, it will be good form.

Conclusion

Well, that's all I wanted to say about etiquette in India. Someone loves this country, someone considers it a dirty, smelly sewer, someone comes here for spiritual enlightenment, and someone, having arrived once, stays forever (carefree downshifters, for example).

They say that India turns to each other side, and in order to decide what it is, you have to go there. I hope the rules of etiquette will help you not to get into an awkward situation.

Probably both will be right. In general, I would like to start with a small verse from an author named Strannik, found in one blog. This is about the difference between Russia and India:

How to communicate in India: do's and don'ts

Despite the abundance of languages and dialects, most Hindus understand Hindi or English. In tourist areas, in general, almost everyone speaks English, so it’s almost impossible to get lost - they will always prompt you and explain everything.

Well, for other areas, here are some greetings and just polite phrases in Hindi:

Hello - Namaskar, Namaste, Ram-ram

See you soon - Fir milenge

Shubh ratri - good night

What is your name? - Ap ka us kya he?

My name is... - Measure us... heh

Thanks - Dhanyawat, Shukriya

Women behave more restrained and hug in public, except perhaps with very close people - their best friend, for example. And about hugging a man in public is out of the question.

How to walk outside

In Goa and all the tourist places, everyone wears something light and whatever they need. Russian downshifters, for example, may dangle around the city in tattered woolen socks instead of shoes.

But in general, tourists are always treated with condescension, so it is not necessary to wrap yourself in long hoodies, just nothing defiant and without bare shoulders and knees.

By the way, about extreme cases: India is a rather poor country, so it is better to keep a close eye on your things, for example, when you are relaxing on a bench or in any other place.

Smoking, alcohol and street beggars

Drinking alcohol in public places is also not recommended, for example, in the state of Uttaranchal, you can get a fine of about $ 120 for this or go to jail for 3 months. Tin.

In general, it is undesirable to get into conflicts with the locals, because if it comes to the police, support will be on the side of the locals, and you will most likely receive a fine.

Well, if you were asked by wandering ascetics, give at least some. The same applies to Hindu temples, in which it is possible and even desirable to leave offerings.

How to visit and behave at the table

If you are invited to visit, you can please the hosts with a gift: bring fruits, flowers, or some souvenir from Russia. Just do not buy white flowers - it is customary to give them for funerals.

If the Indians have given away, do not open the gift immediately, and certainly do not accept it with your left hand (remember, it is considered unclean, and this will be impolite).

Food can only be touched with the right hand

At the table, you may be asked some personal questions, even if you do not know each other very well. There is nothing surprising or offensive in this, because Indians are curious people.

For example, they may ask about social status or salary. You, in turn, can also ask some personal questions, and the Indians will be pleased that you are interested in their life.

Business Etiquette

Business attire in India is the same as in other countries - formal business suits for both men and women. In a business environment, by the way, women can also shake hands.

Indian businessmen are often not punctual, and there is nothing offensive in being a little late for a meeting.

But it may be a long time before you meet at all. It is advisable to get to know the right person through a third party, because in India they prefer to get to know a person well before starting anything with him, and a common acquaintance will add trust.

In business relationships, Indians prefer to negotiate (this characteristic is noticeable even in ordinary trade), so you should not be too stubborn and not agree to any concessions. Be flexible, it will be good form.

Conclusion

They say that India turns to each other side, and in order to decide what it is, you have to go there. I hope the rules of etiquette will help you not to get into an awkward situation.

For tourists who have already booked hotels in India or wish to visit Indians, it is very important to remember the etiquette at the table, as well as when going to a restaurant or visiting.

Moreover, the features of Indian hospitality have a number of features that Russian tourists should pay attention to.

Hospitality in India is highly respected. It does not matter if the guest is an Indian or a foreigner. For a visit, it is desirable to have a small gift for the hosts. If we are talking about foreigners, then it can be some kind of souvenir or thing that tells about the country. The cost of a thing is of fundamental importance, so you should not focus on this.

Sometimes gifts can get more attention. If you are planning to visit a large Indian family, then it is customary for the elderly to give fruits or vegetables as gifts. For children (girls) the best gift is flowers. For boys, the best option is toys. If you intend to give expensive gifts (things, jewelry, etc.), then it is better to ask how the item you have chosen will be appropriate from the point of view of Indian traditions and customs.

The traditions of Indian hospitality often include the obligatory treat of the guest. That is, the guest will be invited to the table. Moreover, there are no special dishes for guests, and what is in the family will be offered to the welcome guest. And in India, the attitude towards guests is traditionally kind. The customs of eating in India are very peculiar. Food is eaten with hands. Special devices, such as forks or knives, are not provided in India. Liquid foods are eaten with a spoon. When eating, it is worth remembering that you cannot touch food with your left hand. According to Indian traditions, the left hand is used for personal hygiene, and therefore its use for eating is undesirable. Therefore, you only have to eat with your right hand.

It is worth noting about the order of eating. It is also regulated in India. First of all, food will be served to the guest, then to the head of the family, and then to the children. As for women, in traditional Indian families they may not be present at the table at all. True, in modern families, such discrimination has long faded into the background, and the mistress of the house takes part in the meal on an equal footing.

Not everyone living in India adheres to such rules. After all, the national composition is not homogeneous. If you get to the north of the country, then you should not be surprised by Muslim customs, since most of the inhabitants of northern India profess Islam.

Another group in India is the Sikhs. Their traditions also have a number of features. In particular, this applies to a set of products that are usually served at the table. Rice and seafood are traditionally consumed in all Indian families. Muslims do not consume alcohol and pork.

Sikhs do not use beef in their diet.

Vegetarianism is common among Indians. This is especially true for meat products. Therefore, when visiting Indians, you should not count on cutlets or meat steak.