A Namaste to all

Namaste is part of the daily procedure in India. Hence you would often get to see this gesture in
various Indian classical dance forms, in everyday religious rituals and yoga postures. If you
practice this gesture in India, then it would be helpful for you in establishing a connect with
people here, and forming a great bond.

Garlanding

As such, Indian people go to great lengths to make their guests feel welcome. Garlanding, aarti
and applying tilak, or a red vermillion mark, on the forehead of the guest is, thus, an important
part of the reception ritual

National flag

The colors and symbols of the Indian National flag hold deep philosophical meaning. Each color
represents a specific aspect of Indian culture that resonates deeply within the hearts of the
citizens. The saffron stands for sacrifice and renunciation, the white stands for peace and the
green stands for courage and immortality. The Ashok Chakra is a depiction of Dharma Chakra. It
has 24 spokes radiating from the center. It represents righteousness, justice and forwardness.
The symbolism of wheel is that of constant movement that heralds progress and repels
stagnation.

National Tree

Indian fig tree, whose branches root themselves like new trees over a large area. The roots
then give rise to more trunks and branches. This tree is considered immortal and is an
integral part of the myths and legends of India. Even today, the banyan tree is the focal point
of village life and the village council meets under the shade of this tree.

The National Flower

The national flower of India is the lotus because it has significant spiritual, cultural, and
philosophical value. The Padma underlines the values of purity and enlightenment. At the same
time, the lotus is the favorite topic in literature throughout Indian history and across religions
as it signifies the process and outcome of divinity.

The National Animal – Tiger

The Tiger (Panthera Tigris,Linnaeus) is the national animal of India. Tiger is also called the lord
of Jungles. The national animal of India, is rich-colored well-striped animal with a short coat. As
the national animal of India, tiger symbolizes India's wildlife wealth. The combination of
grace,strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger great respect and high esteem.
The National Bird

In 1963, the peacock was declared the National Bird of India because of its rich religious and
legendary involvement in Indian traditions. The criteria for this choice were many. The bird
must be well-distributed within the country so it could truly 'national'. It must be recognizable
to the common man. It must lend itself to formal depiction, i.e. abstract depiction on
government publications, etc. It must not be confused with the bird emblem of any other
nation. It should be associated with Indian myths and legends. The peacock fit the bill.

Out of the eight races of the species known, the Indian race, the Royal Bengal Tiger is found
throughout the country

The National Fruit

The mango is more than a fruit in India. It is an intrinsic part of the country’s culture, found in
religion, art, poetry and literature. Mango leaves are seen as a symbol of good luck and are
strung up over the front doors of homes, especially during weddings and celebrations.

Dining Etiquette

Typically, rural settings, all Indians wash their hands thoroughly prior to dining, then eat with
their fingers, with the use of minimum cutlery. To eat rice, they mix it with curry, pick small
quantities up with the fingers and push it into the mouth with the thumb. To eat bread, they
tear small portions of bread (Roti, Naan) folding it into a small pocket to scoop the desired
amount of curry. In rural settings, sitting down together on floor mats in comfortable clothes is
the norm.

Touching Feet

Touching the feet of elders is an age-old Indian tradition that is considered to be a mark of
respect. This gesture can be seen in almost all Hindu families, both in India and abroad. In fact,
some Bollywood movies and daily soaps have also depicted this common practice. Indians
believe that when a person bows down and touches the feet of their elders, their ego gets
suppressed as this gesture indicates respecting the age, experience, achievements and wisdom
of the person whose feet are being touched. The elder person then, in turn, blesses the person
touching their feet.

Name Protocol
Some Indians use Mai and Pai as well as Cha Chi and Cha Cha, Nani and Nana, Mamu and Mami
to refer to those much older than them even when there is no blood relationship. It is all done
out of respect for the elderly or for fellow humans.

Displaying Affection

Public display of affection is regarded as unacceptable in India if it disturbs others or creates

Modesty

In Hindu culture, for the most part, men socialize with men, and women with women. Men
never touch women in public unless the lady is very elderly or infirm.

Womanly Reserve

As stated, Indian women would often draw themselves back in a conversation where men are
included. This, of course, does not apply to situations among family and close associates.

Serving at Meals

-------

Chaperoning

-------

Women in Public

Also, drinking alcohol or smoking in public, no matter how innocent, are interpreted as a sign of moral
laxity and are not acceptable.

Wife Home Alone

If the lady of the house is in home alone and a male visitor comes to see her husband, it is not
proper for her to invite him in, nor for him to expect to enter. Rather, he will leave a message
and depart.