The short answer
The usual greeting is namaste, said with palms together near the chest and a slight bow. It is polite to greet people this way, especially elders and in homes and shops. Handshakes are also common in business and tourist settings.
Use your right hand for giving and receiving, avoid pointing your feet at people or sacred objects, and keep your voice calm. Addressing people with respect and a smile goes a long way. Remove shoes before entering homes and temples.
Key facts
- Greeting
- Namaste with palms together
- Hands
- Right hand to give and receive
- Feet
- Do not point at people or shrines
- Shoes
- Off in homes and temples
How it works
- Say namastePalms together, small bow.
- Use your right handTo give, receive and eat.
- Mind your feetDo not point them at people or shrines.
- Remove shoesAt homes and temples.
Insider tip
A smile and a calm voice solve most misunderstandings.
Avoid this
Do not touch someone's head or point your feet at them.
Related questions
Do I shake hands?
Often fine in tourist settings, but namaste is always safe.
Is it rude to refuse food?
Politely accept a little or decline kindly.
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