What you should know about Indian customs

how we live — By Bob Riel on May 27, 2009 at 7:49 am

You’ve done it. Planned a trip to India. Now, what should you know about the country and its customs before you go? Shreya Sanghani has written a guide for you, which was published by Matador Travel and provides an overview of 10 Indian customs that you should know about before your trip. An excerpt:

Questions and eyes – What might be considered intrusive in many Western cultures is only a matter of course in India. Also, people will generally be very curious about foreign visitors, and this can take the form of unabashed staring.

There’s a lack of privacy among the teeming millions of India, and the concept of personal space as you know it might not exist. Try not to take it too personally if people on the street seem to be staring at you all the time, and if Indian acquaintances and friends ask you questions that you think are none of their business. Most of the time, it’s just friendly curiosity, and if you smile at a staring stranger, many times you will get an amicable smile back.

You’ll be hounded – You might be seen as a rich foreigner thanks to the exchange rate, and many times you’ll be followed around by beggars, beckoned into shops by over-eager store keepers, and hailed by expectant taxi drivers. Make sure your local friends tell you what the standard rates are, because if you’re looking to do some great shopping or have a comfortable public transport experience, you need to be in the know.

Indian festivals- With so many religions and cultures, you will come across fairs, celebrations and merrymaking of all kinds. Whether it is the shimmering lights of Diwali, the colors of Holi, the extravaganza of Durga Puja, Navaratri, Onam, Dusshera, Id Ul Fitr and Christmas, you’ll encounter indigenous customs, amazing Indian cuisine and total festive abandonment.

Read the entire article for the other seven Indian tips and customs.