Greetings and Partings

A great respect for elders is reflected in greetings. When greeting an elder, the younger person must hold their hands together in a praying motion and bow to the elder person. The younger person always bows lower than the elder. One greets a peer with a nod; greeting a younger person eliminates the need for the folded hands. Handshaking is not appropriate. When greeting the revered elders of a household, men (not women) should bend down toward their feet. As with most matters regarding protocol, it is always a good idea to ask the customs of the specific area of the country.

When being served a meal, one must wait for the host to offer food. Natives of India may say "no" several times out of politeness before accepting any food, but once the eating ritual has begun, the participants are enthusiastic. The hosts are obliged to keep offering food and filling the plates of guests until the guests strongly indicate that they do not want any more and cover their plates with their hands.