Travelling in India gives visitors the opportunity to explore one of the oldest and most diverse cultures. However, because it is the gathering place of many major religions, this South Asian country has many strict rituals and rules that require everyone to follow. Right now, Top Ten Travel would like to share the top 9 taboos that tourists need to keep in mind when traveling to India. Save now to have a truly complete and safe trip!
1. Don’t eat beef
In the beliefs of Hindus in India, the cow is a sacred animal, playing an extremely important role in spiritual life. That’s why they especially respect and worship cows. Eating beef is a sin against saints and mascots, and the eater will be punished appropriately. Because of this concept, all activities of slaughtering and eating this mascot in India are discouraged and even banned according to Hindu law.
Cows are considered sacred animals by Indians, worthy of worship
2. Do not wear revealing clothes
It can be seen that India is a country that is both modern and conservative, especially in matters of dress in public areas. When traveling to India, whether in large urban cities or in rural areas, dressing politely and discreetly is something that any tourist needs to remember.
This not only helps tourists (especially female tourists) avoid rude and unfriendly looks from people around them, but also helps them integrate quickly with local people. Especially when visiting religious sites that require solemnity, don’t forget to bring a scarf!
Female tourists when traveling to India remember to dress as discreetly and politely as possible
3. Do not show affection in public
India is a country that is still quite conservative in expressing emotions through actions or words in public areas. Therefore, tourists who come here to travel should remember to avoid overly intimate behaviors such as hugging, kissing or even holding hands, etc. If these inappropriate behaviors are performed in India, tourists may even You can be fined or go to jail for up to 3 months! These types of public expressions of love are considered inappropriate in Indian culture.
Tourists should avoid showing excessive affection in public areas when traveling to India
4. Do not give or receive things with your left hand
In India, the left hand is considered an unclean hand, so it is usually only used by people to perform activities such as cleaning up after using the toilet, taking off or putting on shoes, cleaning feet, etc. … Especially when stopping at solemn places such as temples, receiving prasad (a popular Hindu food) or giving it with the left hand is unacceptable behavior. considered extremely impolite.
Therefore, when touring India, tourists should remember to always use their right hand to pass or receive objects or interact with others!
Visitors should remember to always use their right hand to pick up food or give/receive anything
5. Do not point your fingers or use your feet to touch objects
Another etiquette rule that tourists need to remember when traveling to India is to never point at other people or objects. This action is considered extremely rude and impolite towards the other person. If you must attract attention to someone or something, use your whole hand or thumb!
Pointing at other people or objects is considered extremely disrespectful in India
In addition, touching other people or objects, especially books and educational tools, with your feet in India is also considered disrespectful. If this happens accidentally, Indians will often “put out the fire” by respectfully touching the object with both hands and bringing their eyes closer as an apology.
6. Do not discuss politics or insult religion
India is generally a democratic country, promoting the freedom of speech of each citizen. However, politics and religion are extremely sensitive issues in India. Therefore, when traveling here, tourists should absolutely not participate in discussing or criticizing the politics of this South Asian country, and should also not insult any specific religious or ethnic groups.
7. Do not wear shoes into religious places
In India, people often take off their shoes before entering solemn religious places. Besides, when someone invites you to their house, you should also remember to take off your shoes before entering the house unless the homeowner tells you not to take off your shoes. In addition, some Indians also have the habit of wearing slippers indoors, and of course these slippers are only used indoors and never worn outside.
Tourists should remember to take off their shoes before entering religious sites in India
Therefore, to avoid unfavorable views from local people, when visiting religious destinations, restaurants or private homes in India, if you see shoes left at the door, you should also Please take off your shoes before entering!
8. Do not drink tap water directly
Tourists on a tour to India absolutely do not drink tap water from the tap here, because it contains escherichia coli – a type of disease-causing bacteria. The best way is to always carry a bottle of mineral water with you. Even when dining at local restaurants, always order bottled mineral water.
Tourists traveling to India should drink bottled mineral water to ensure safety
9. Do not go out alone at night
In India, security issues are generally not guaranteed, especially for foreign tourists. Therefore, tourists coming here should pay attention when talking to people. Visitors should avoid walking or going out alone, and avoid using public transportation in the evening, especially women. Tourists should also not carry large amounts of cash with them to avoid fraud or theft.
Tourists should not go out alone at night in India, especially female tourists
In addition, visitors should also save phone numbers for emergency use. If you unfortunately find yourself in a difficult situation in India, quickly contact the local police station or call the national emergency number 112.