Surprising Traditions

[Tamboa]

I love learning about the customs of people in each new country that I visit. In some countries, I’ve found that shops are always closed on Sundays, in others, women can’t go into bars. It’s always something surprising!

For anyone who has visited India, what was the most surprising custom or tradition that you observed?

 

[Vinaya]

India is predominantly Hindu country. However, India is also home to largest Muslim population outside Muslim world. Thus India has many interesting cultural practices and traditions. You greet to people by joining two palms and saying "Namaste" which literally means hello. It is very common for people to touch the feet of elder while greeting.

 

[tri-n-b-helpful]

I haven't been to India yet, but work with some people from India and hear a fair bit about the customs and traditions in India.

They actually find toilet paper repulsive and find they can do a much better job by just splashing a bit of water in the general direction of the necessary area with the left hand.

I have noticed that Indian wives will never say their husband's name aloud, even when speaking to him. They believe it is very disrespectful to say his name aloud. She will often just say what needs to be said without referring to him at all, maybe calling him "ji" on occasion.

To be a widow in India is very bad luck. They are treated very poorly and generally looked down upon in society, particularly by the older generation. In many places, they are social outcasts, cannot attend social nor religious gatherings and are not even allowed in the presence of newly married couples.

 

[gerbera]

How sad is that, being looked down upon just because you are a widow. I certainly hope that changes with the younger people. You can't help if you husband passes away and it isn't your fault. That is a very strange tradition, can anyone tell me why?

 

[swalia]

How sad is that, being looked down upon just because you are a widow. I certainly hope that changes with the younger people. You can't help if you husband passes away and it isn't your fault. That is a very strange tradition, can anyone tell me why?

Widows really lived in pitiable conditions but thankfully times have changed now. Indian society has progressed a lot but still in rural areas, widows are looked down upon. Hopefully this will also change in the coming times!

 

[George]

India is predominantly Hindu country. However, India is also home to largest Muslim population outside Muslim world. Thus India has many interesting cultural practices and traditions. You greet to people by joining two palms and saying "Namaste" which literally means hello. It is very common for people to touch the feet of elder while greeting.

That is very amazing. My father is from France and when we grew up we greeted each other with a kiss on both cheeks. It was always the way of life in our home. When we were very young we received a kiss on the top of our heads when family came to visit.

 

[Ritika Sharma]

India the land of rich cultural heritage and one can witness lots of cutoms. Some of the common customs and traditions are listed below.
1. Saying "Namaste" when they meet someone to show respect.
2. Youngers touch the feet of Elders to show respect.
3. Married womans lay cloth on their head in front of their elders is also a sign of respect.

 

[violet]

I love the traditions that each culture has for greetings. My mother's parents were French, George, and we did kiss cheeks and hug every time we saw each other. My father's family never had any such tradition.

 

[swalia]

Touching the feet of the elders as a mark of respect has been an age-old Indian tradition. Saying 'Namaste' by joining the palms of both hands is the most common greeting. A peck on the cheek or forehead is not very common in India. It is acceptable only within the family where elders show their love and affection for kids in this way.

 

[Elaine]

@Vinaya, I have never witnessed someone touching the feet of an older person, but I have seen it on television. I think it's really fascinating and a very unique tradition.

 

[Malibu]

I have never heard of touching the feet of the elderly. Is that a sign of respect? Do people expect this from everyone, including tourists?

 

[Paul]

I don't really think that people would expect you to do that if you are a tourist. I wouldn't mind doing it though if it meant that I would be rude otherwise.