How do people in India greet each other ? What is appropriate way for tourist to greet locals in India?
Indians greet with the Namaste, formed by pressing the palms together with fingers up below the chin and nodding the head. To show respect, a slight bow is added. When meeting foreigners, Indian men shake hands, but do not generally touch women, out of respect for privacy. Indian women may offer their hands as a courtesy. When meeting a woman, a man should wait for her to initiate a handshake. India has a hierarchical culture, so in a group, greet the eldest or most senior person first.
Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to dealing with westerners. Hugging is common among very close friends and relatives. Women may hug women and men may do the same with women.
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