Just as we would ask you to dress in a conservative manner, we would also ask you to observe and respect some of the local behavioural customs. The following are some helpful hints on how to act while travelling in India:
Feet
Feet awareness is an important part of Indian culture. It is important not to point your feet directly at a God or deity in a temple, and you must always remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple. You may often see people bend to touch the feet of their elders when greeting or thanking them. You are not expected to do this. It is a sign of respect in some cultures.
Eating
It is common to eat food only with the right hand as the left hand has traditionally been used for body cleansing. Increasingly knives and forks can commonly be found and people are moving to eating with both hands.
Taking Photographs
When travelling around India, there will be many beautiful scenes and people that you want to photograph. Please ask people for permission before doing so. This shows respect and gives people the opportunity to refuse if they are not comfortable. You may get asked to pay people for their photograph, this is up to you. Often people, especially children, will ask you to take their picture. Again this is up to you but if you take one, you may end up taking many!
Meeting People
People in India are often very curious to know your name and where you are from, and may approach you on the street when you are walking. It is polite to answer them, however you do not have to feel pressured to speak to everyone. One way to greet people if you are passing is to say “Namaste” and hold your palms together as though praying. This respects and acknowledges them, but allows you to keep walking if you need to get somewhere.
Shopping and Bargaining
Shopping in India is a combination of fixed rate pricing and bargaining. Stores where prices are fixed will often have signs telling you or prices will be clearly marked. In markets, at roadside stalls and in some stores bargaining is common. When negotiating it’s important to remember that both sides need to get a fair price. You shouldn’t begin bargaining seriously unless you have decided you want the item. To determine a price and then walk away is not good practice. There are no hard and fast rules for bargaining, but often people start at half the offered price then work upwards. Once the store owner knows you are really attached to an item then it will be more difficult. Try to shop around a bit for items in order to determine what a reasonable and fair price is.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol is considered anti-social by many sections of the community. If you wish to drink alcohol at Sangam, please be discreet both in its storage and consumption.
