In coming holidays, you have planned to visit India. Everything seems perfect with preparation and you just need more inside into the customs of India. Let me help you with the information on  the five things you must be careful of while visiting India.

1. Dress
Majority of Indians dress conservatively so it is wise not to wear tight (तंग – Tang) or revealing clothing (पहनावा – Pahnava). If you are paying visit to a religious place (धार्मिक स्थल – Dharmic Sthal), especially Islamic and Sikh monuments (स्मारक – Samarak), it is mandatory (अनिवार्य – Anivaary) to cover your hairs.

2. Meeting and Greeting
Male usually shakes hands in the urban (नगरीय – Nagariy) India, whereas it is common to greet (verb. अभिवादन करना – abhivaadan karna) people with ‘Namaste’ gesture (भाव – Bhaav) with your both hands. It is generally not acceptable for men to shake hands with a woman until and unless she offers the same. Hugging or kissing is not accepted by people irrespective of how long you may know them. The Western side-to-side hand wave for “hello” could be interpreted as a sign (संकेत – Sanket) for ‘no’ or ‘go away’, so be careful.

3. Shoes and Feet
Majority of Indians won’t allow shoes/footwear (जूते – pl. Jute) in their homes and religious places. It is wise to leave your shoes/footwear outside these places, in case of doubt (संदेह – Sandeh) ask your host (आतिथेय – Aatithey) or other people where you can leave your shoes/footwear.

Feet are considered unclean. Pointing footwear at people is considered an insult (अपमान – Apmaan). It is considered disrespectful (अनुचित – Anuchit), if your feet touches books, begs containing books or other things considered to give knowledge (ज्ञान – Gyan) or holy.

4. Smoking and drinking in Public
Indian society (समाज – Samaaj) considers the consumption (सेवन – Sevan) of addiction such as drinking, smoking (धूम्रपान – Dhumrpan) etc a bad habit. Therefore, it is wise not to drink or smoke in public places respecting the sentiments (भावनाओं – Bhavanaaon) of people. The government of India has also prohibited (निषिद्ध – Nishidhh) smoking and drinking in public places, which is punished (दण्डित – Dandit) with a heavy fine in all major cities across India.

5. Public display of affection
Majority of India disapprove of public display of affection i.e. hugging, kissing etc. Public display of affection is also punishable under Indian law by fine and/or three month prison.