India: culture and customs

India is a country with an ancient culture and rich history that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. A trip to India promises an unforgettable experience, as you can see majestic temples, colourful markets and picturesque landscapes! India's culture is unique and diverse, and to better understand this fascinating country, it is worth getting to know its religion, languages, people and customs.

India is home to many religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Hinduism is the most widespread religion in the country and its influence is visible everywhere. Temples and shrines dedicated to numerous gods and goddesses can be found at every turn. Religious rituals and festivals are an integral part of Hindu life, and tourists visiting India will be interested in observing these colourful and spiritual events.

The Holi festival, also known as Phagwah (or Bhojpuri), is the most colourful, and the Festival of Colours is an annual Hindu three-day celebration of spring! It is celebrated during the full moon of the month of Phalgun (February - March). On the second and third day of the festival, people sprinkle coloured powder on each other or pour coloured water on each other.

India has more than 1,600 languages and dialects. Hindi and English are the official languages of the country, but each state has its own official languages. For example, Tamil is spoken in Tamil Nadu and Bengali in West Bengal. India's linguistic diversity is one of its cultural riches and makes travelling around the country even more interesting.

India is the second most populous country in the world with over 1.4 billion people! Indian society is traditionally divided into castes - social groups that define a person's place in society.

The Indian caste system has deep historical roots going back to antiquity. It includes hundreds of sub-classes, each of which is historically associated with certain professions and social status. Castes determine not only a person's social status, but also his or her rights and opportunities.

Although the caste system has officially been abolished, its influence is still felt, especially in rural areas. It is important for travellers to India to be aware of cultural and social norms to avoid misunderstandings!

Indian customs play an important role in the lives of local people. For example, Hindus often greet each other with the word ‘Namaste’, accompanied by a gesture of folded palms and avoiding handshakes. It is important to respect elders and remove your shoes before entering a house or temple. It is also worth being careful with your food and water intake to avoid the dangers in India for tourists associated with local hygiene conditions.

Of course, travelling to India is an exciting and unique adventure filled with vibrant colours, rich history and diverse culture! However, to make your stay as comfortable and safe as possible, it is important to take into account local traditions and customs. India's culture is deeply rooted in everyday life, and not knowing or ignoring these peculiarities can lead to misunderstandings and unpleasant situations.

Don't turn your back to Buddha: In India, it is important to respect religious objects and deities! Turning your back on Buddha or any other deity from India's numerous pantheon of gods is considered an offence. It may cause a negative reaction from the locals. Be careful when taking photos in front of Buddha statues!

Rats and cows are sacred animals: Cows and rats are sacred animals in India. The cow is considered a guide to heaven and a symbol of abundance, while the rat is Ganesha's first mate. Therefore, do not offend these animals, avoid gifts made of cow skin or dishes with beef. If you see a white rat, share your food with it, you may be blessed!

Don't feed the monkeys: Monkeys in India are not the cuddly playthings you'd find in a zoo. They are aggressive and greedy. Feeding one monkey can attract a whole pack to you and you risk losing your belongings like your camera, phone and money.

Dress modestly: In India, it is important to be modest in dress. Women are discouraged from exposing their legs and shoulders as it may be perceived as vulgarity. Men should also avoid being in public places with bare torso. Modest clothing will help you avoid intrusive attention and possible trouble.

Don't swim beyond the buoys: Many beaches in India have no lifeguards, but jellyfish and aggressive fish. Be careful not to swim beyond the buoys to avoid the dangers!

Do not point your feet in the direction of the person you are talking to: In India, it is considered rude and disrespectful to point your feet in the direction of the person you are talking to. Locals often sit cross-legged on the floor, but outstretched legs or soles pointing towards others is considered dirty.

Do not pass things with the left hand: The left hand is used for ablution in India and is considered unclean. Passing items, including money and food, with your left hand may cause people to refuse to accept them from you. Pay attention to this feature, especially if you are left-handed.

Do not enter temples banned for tourists: There are temples in India where only Hindus are allowed access. Breaking this prohibition can get you into trouble, so keep a close eye on the warning signs.

Don't drink alcohol: Although many locals drink alcohol, it is not encouraged in Indian culture. People who abuse alcohol may be considered to have a character flaw. Moderation in alcohol consumption will help you avoid negative attitudes.

Keep a low profile: In India, it is not customary to show personal feelings in public. Hugging, kissing and even holding hands can be perceived as indecent acts. Indian society is conservative, especially the older generation, and public displays of affection can cause judgement.

Don't come to India with a cat: The cat is considered the enemy of the rat, the sacred animal of Ganesha, one of India's most revered deities. Hindus treat cats with caution, as they are considered creatures that live in both worlds - the living and the dead. Therefore, it is better to leave things with images of cute kitties at home to avoid misunderstandings.

Questions of intimate life and personal relationships are strictly taboo. Women in India can be difficult, especially in matters of hygiene. It is better to stock up on the necessary means in advance, as buying them in a pharmacy can cause unpleasant situations. It is also not a good idea to talk about divorce - Indian culture is very traditional and marriage is at the centre of it.

Avoid touching: In India, it is not customary to touch women or strangers in general, except the elderly or those in obvious need of help. This is an important aspect to consider when planning a trip to India.

Do not walk barefoot, even on the beach: The sand may harbour parasites, which locals call ‘sand flea’. Encountering this inhabitant of Indian beaches can turn into trouble. So be careful and wear shoes to avoid potential dangers.

Cover your head: Wear a head covering not only to protect yourself from the sun, but also to avoid pediculosis, which is very common in India, or tree leech bites. These bites are very painful and can have unpredictable consequences.

Don't insult cricket and Draupadi Murma: In general, try to avoid talking about Indian politics, traditions, religion and sports, especially if you want to come off as a critic. The best rule of thumb for travellers is not to comment on these topics so as not to provoke a negative reaction.

Take food with the right hand only: In the Vedic culture of India, the left hand is considered dirty, while the right hand is allowed to touch food and serve puja. This is an important rule to remember so as not to offend the locals.

Never give money to beggar children and women: If you give even a small coin, a crowd of people will instantly gather around you and may aggressively follow you. Also be aware that holy people near temples may ask for compensation for tying a coloured thread on your wrist or putting a dot of red turmeric on your forehead.

In conclusion, despite a seemingly complex culture and a host of taboos, India is home to very welcoming and friendly people! Indian customs, although they take some time to adapt, open the door to a deep understanding of this magical country and its history. India for tourists is not only an opportunity to see new places, but also a chance to change for the better!