This traditional Indian sign of bowing in front of someone and joining hands is greeting them with dignity and respect. This gesture is called ‘Namaste’. Accompanied with a slight bow, the Namaste is practiced while welcoming someone, saying hello or during Hindu religious gatherings while praying to god.
What gesture is offensive in India?
Another non-Western habit is that pointing with your fingers is considered rude. Most Indian people use their fingers only to point to animals or inferior classes. Instead, use a head nodding gesture or your entire hand when pointing to a person. Feet are another body part that has significant meaning in India.
What is the commonly practiced Indian gestures?
The gesture (but not the term namaste for it) is widely used as a greeting in the parts of Southeast Asia where Indian religions are strong. Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest.
Why do Indians move their hands?
All the Indian states has different languages, and also hundreds of dialects, which sometimes makes inter-state communication a challenge. For an example, for a person from Chennai living in New Delhi, head wobble and hand gestures is a way of supporting their communication, and to ensure that the message gets across.
What does little finger mean in India?
A pinky swear or pinky promise is made when a person wraps one of their pinky fingers around the other person’s pinky and makes a promise. In India, holding up the pinky is a signal that the person has to urinate.
Why do Indians shake their head?
In India, a head bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it means yes, or is used to indicate understanding. An unenthusiastic head bobble can be a polite way of declining something without saying no directly. The gesture is common throughout India.
