If the East is a delicate business, then India, with its many religions, traditions and characteristics - is altogether incomprehensible. And, although the Indians are friendly and lenient towards the awkward strangers, it's better to try to play by local rules, is not it?

Handshakes

In India, do not shake hands with each other - instead hands fold before the chest in greeting namaste. In general, physical contact - patting on the shoulder, hugging, or even walking under the arm in the eyes of a conservative Indian, looks almost like debauchery in a public place.

Shoes

It is considered offensive to show the sole of your shoes to the interlocutor (so do not sit on one foot) . In most temples it is customary to take off shoes before the entrance (and if you think you will not get socks on, take with you to the trip hospital shoe covers).

Here it is a sacred animal

In temples - barefoot only

Respect for ladies

Food

For food consumption in Indians is intended and the right hand (considered "clean"), so any drinking actions, getting and transferring things better to produce with your right hand - do not go wrong. Food for an Indian is a gift of the gods and a ritual. Before each dish and at the end of the meal, the Hindus wash their hands, and conversations at the dinner table are not conducted. And yes, join the "society of clean plates" - leaving the scraps at your plate you will disrespect the owners

Emotions

In India it is not accepted to show anger, irritation or impatience if you do not want the local people to consider you an unworthy person . The Indian cult - ahimsa - requires not to harm living beings. This applies not only to the sacred cows of India, but also to the highly regarded monkeys, but to any living creature in general.

Visiting temples

Of course it is not worthwhile to go to temples in India (as, indeed, everywhere) in frivolous clothes. The head should be covered, women should also cover their shoulders. Examining the sights of Buddhist and Hindu temples, one should move clockwise.