Indian etiquette. Dining etiquette in India, how is it customary to eat there? Relations between the sexes

For tourists who have already booked hotels in India or want to visit Indians, it is very important to remember etiquette at the table, as well as when going to a restaurant or visiting.

Moreover, the features of Indian hospitality have a number of features that Russian tourists should pay attention to.

Hospitality is held in high esteem in India. It does not matter whether the guest is Indian or foreigner. When visiting, it is advisable to have a small gift for the hosts. If we are talking about foreigners, then this could be some kind of souvenir or thing that tells about the country. The cost of the item is not of fundamental importance, so you should not focus on this.

Sometimes gifts may receive more attention. If you are planning to visit a large Indian family, it is customary to give fruits or vegetables to the elderly. For children (girls) the best gift is flowers. For boys, the best option is toys. If you intend to give expensive gifts (things, jewelry, etc.), then it is better to ask how appropriate the item you choose will be from the point of view of Indian traditions and customs.

Indian hospitality traditions often include a mandatory treat for the guest. That is, the guest will be invited to the table. Moreover, there are no special dishes for guests, and what the family has will be offered to the welcome guest. And in India, the attitude towards guests is traditionally kind. Indian eating habits are very unique. Food is eaten with hands. There are no special utensils, such as forks or knives, in India. Liquid foods are eaten with a spoon. When eating, you should remember that you cannot touch food with your left hand. According to Indian traditions, the left hand is used for personal hygiene, and accordingly its use for eating is undesirable. Therefore, you will have to eat only with your right hand.

It is worth noting about the order of meals. It is also regulated in India. First of all, food will be served to the guest, then to the head of the family, and then to the children. As for women, in traditional Indian families they may not be present at the table at all. True, in modern families such discrimination has long faded into the background, and the mistress of the house takes part in the meal on an equal basis.

Not everyone living in India adheres to such rules. After all, the national composition is not homogeneous. If you find yourself in the north of the country, you should not be surprised by Muslim customs, since the majority of residents of northern India profess Islam.

Another group of the Indian population is the Sikhs. Their traditions also have a number of features. In particular, this applies to the set of products that are usually served at the table. Rice and seafood are traditionally consumed in all Indian families. Muslims do not drink alcohol or pork.

Sikhs do not eat beef in their diet.

Vegetarianism is common among Indians. This is especially true for meat products. Therefore, when visiting Indians, you should not count on cutlets or meat steak.

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Introduction

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

Currently, the idea of the relationship between ethnicity, culture and language is of particular interest. There is clearly a deep analogy between the historical development of an ethnic group, national culture and language. We can say that ethnicity and national culture exist as long as the meanings of words in the national language, the specifics of the national speech language, and literature written in the national language exist. The above components necessarily focus on the linguistic personality, the subject of speech and the bearer of certain national character traits.

The speaker, with all his individuality, is inseparable from the ethnocultural parameters of the nation. Even if a person had, due to certain circumstances, to live far from his ethnic homeland, language, as a rule, serves as a link with his origins. Each nation has a certain set of behavioral stereotypes, to one degree or another inherent in the members of a given historically established society. The typology of behavior is determined by many factors, of which the most significant seem to us to be cultural ones, that is, related to the national characteristics of the origin, formation and development of the culture of a particular ethnic group. The term “culture” refers to “forms and methods of representation, transmission and storage of information that cannot be transmitted purely genetically.” Culture is the cementing element of an ethnic group. Recently, researchers are increasingly talking about the relationship between mentality and culture. It is argued that the cultures of different peoples are united by the unity of human thinking and diverge due to different methods applied to this common thinking.

The German philosopher and linguist W. von Humboldt wrote that a person’s thinking and ideas about the world are determined by a specific language. The different division of the world by languages is expressed, in particular, in the fact that to express the same concepts, one language uses separate words, and the other uses descriptive means. Language, according to Humboldt, contains the energy and spirit of the people. He called for philosophically sound comparisons of languages and the discovery of different ways of seeing the world. As is known, communication is one of the conditions for the possibility of sociality and culture, and a person’s speech is largely determined by his belonging to one or another socio-cultural formation.

At the same time, intrasystem structural factors of language become relatively independent mechanisms of influence on the ways of integrating linguistic signs into speech. It must be said that linguistic signs are conservative and evolve slowly, since the scope of their functioning is limited territorially, socially, stylistically, and traditionally. It is thanks to the self-sufficiency and self-regulation of the language system that the features of the actualization of linguistic units in speech can serve as basic material for identifying the national and cultural characteristics of a linguistic personality.

Thus, ethnicity, culture and language are closely related. The language reflects the cultural characteristics of specific ethnic groups.

The subject of the research is the study of the communicative characteristics of Indians. The national specificity of speech in each country is extremely vivid, because the unique features of the language here are superimposed on the features of rituals, habits, everything accepted and not accepted in behavior, permitted and prohibited in social etiquette.

The purpose of the work is to explore options for expressing standard situations of speech etiquette, to identify the specifics of national speech behavior and to show how the culture of a particular ethnic group is reflected in the language.

Chapter I. National characteristics of Indian communication behavior

1.1 Social and cultural-historical factors that determine the national character of Indians

Many articles have been written about the peculiarities of the national character of Indians and their cultural habits. This topic is also not limited to the psychological characteristics and stereotypes of their behavior. On ethnolinguistic grounds, this country and its people can be characterized as “unity in diversity.” There is a lot of everything in India: 9 religious communities, nationalities and tribes of four families - Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burman; 28 states are single language or multi-ethnic. So how do we represent Indians in today's intercultural space?

India is quite a complex and diverse country. The people here reflect a centuries-old, rich cultural tradition, the value of which lies in the many distinctive manners, habits, and Indian food. Over five thousand years of history, India was invaded by armies, traders, and immigrants who settled the territory, spreading their own habits, beliefs, cultures and ways of life, which subsequently influenced the structure of Indian life and the people themselves. India became home to many invaders - from the invasion of the Aryans to the arrival of the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Huns, Seljuk Turks, Tatars, Mongols, Afghans, Mughals. They all mingled with the locals, enriching Indian life and culture. The colonial rule of the British for two centuries left its mark of Western influence on the Indians.

The food, clothing and habits of Indians differ according to their place of origin, and ingrained family values continue to exist in Indian families. A Hindu's surname is based on his caste or place of origin or his family occupation. Men are still considered the head of the family and consulted, although they may no longer be the sole breadwinners in the family. However, the wife will always serve her husband at the table, and only then sit at the table herself. Parents are treated with respect. One common feature that a European will find in the Indian way of life is that children show utmost respect towards their elders. All Indian parents instill this habit in their children from birth. An unwritten law in India is that a person cannot snap at older people, even if they are wrong. In India it is considered disrespectful to address elders by name. Instead, it is preferable to call them aunt and uncle, especially if the person is very elderly. It is also common in India for young people to touch the feet of older people as a way of greeting them.

Indians still share happiness and sorrow. Celebrations are never limited to just one family or home, and an Indian wedding is almost an international conference with many participants. Although ethnic Hindus speak different languages, follow different religions, and eat a wide variety of foods, Indian art and culture exhibit a wealth of diversity unparalleled in the world. The beauty of Indian people lies in the spirit of tolerance, compromise of multi-ethnic cultures, which can only be compared to a garden with flowers of different shades. Education in India has always been regarded as one of the main forms of human resource development. Currently, the role of a teacher is limited to imparting knowledge to students in various subjects. In ancient times, a certain education system was widespread - “gurukul”. The teacher was called "guru" and the student was called "shishya". In ancient India, a guru was a spiritual guide to life for students. Along with teaching various subjects, he taught students how to live a disciplined and principled life. The Guru was the spiritual guiding force in the lives of his disciples. According to ancient Hindu tradition, a person can live for 100 years. Life was divided into 4 stages with an interval of 25 years. The first stage took place in the ashram with the guru. Disciples and gurus lived in ashrams located in remote places, in close contact with nature. The training period was 12 years. Kings also sent their princes to gurus to teach them martial arts, witchcraft, music, etc. All students were equal regardless of their social status. They were supposed to help their guru in his daily life and fulfill his requests, showing him respect. At the end of the training, students were required to thank their gurus with the form of "gurudakshina" or "offering to the guru." The payment was not always monetary; it could also be a valuable gift.

The woman is considered a respected figure in the family. She is also seen as the backbone of the family, the pillar of the Indian household. This is associated with the worship of Indian goddesses. According to Hindu tradition, the earth itself is regarded as the Goddess or Devi on whom the survival of mankind depends.

Since ancient times, the birth of a girl was considered a sign of the arrival of the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, in this family. A wife in a family is a pillar of strength on which everyone depends. It is she who manages the household and caters to the needs of her husband and children. However, this was not always the case. Indian society was quite complex compared to societies of other countries. The influence of the caste system and the dominance of Brahmanical Hinduism led to the formation of unequal social relations between men and women within the family and economy. One example of this inequality was carried out in the most brutal manner through "Sati" or burning of widows at the stake, public lynching and the gross refusal of the state to transform existing social relations based on oppression, exploitation and dependence. Over the following centuries, the situation of women changed little. Although the ritual of "Sati" was banned by the British government in 1829, until now in remote provinces it is still a relevant fact in India. The guiding principles of the Indian Constitution have established gender equality, however, its effective implementation is still a distant dream. The unequal position of women still persists across all classes and castes in India. Most Indians prefer to live in a joint family, often with more than 20 members. According to the Indian way of life, commanding positions in the family are occupied by working and earning men. They may consult with other senior family members on important issues, but ultimately the decision is theirs.

Marriage in India is an important social matter. It can truly be said that Indian marriages are made in heaven. Without astrological calculations and searching for newlyweds according to their horoscope, marriage in India is impossible. Astrology and horoscope have also always been used to determine significant details in dates of birth, death and war.

The Indian Constitution recognizes 18 official languages in the country, each of which has its own dialects and dialects. For example, today a kind of Mumbai dialect or “Mumbai Hindi” is accepted in colloquial speech - a slang form of a mixture of Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, English and Urdu, which is spoken not only in Mumbai - the capital of the state of Maharashtra, but also in other major cities of the country. In the southern regions, words from South Indian languages are also interspersed into such a colloquial dialect to add color. However, it is not used by the upper class of people, but rather characterizes modern youth who are fond of Bollywood films, in which characters flaunt lines in Mumbai Hindi.

India is a land of religious harmony. For centuries, Hinduism has considered all other religions as the true way to reach God. Three ancient religions Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism were born in India. Hinduism is concentrated in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and for this reason these places have been the centers of this culture since time immemorial. Currently, Hinduism is the dominant religion and the so-called minor traditions of Hinduism with their national pantheon of gods, cults and holidays play a certain role in the life of Hindus. For example, the Telugu people have a widespread cult of the god Vishwamitra; among the Bengalis - the cult of the goddess Kali or Durga; the Durga Puja festival is celebrated by Bengalis as a national holiday not only in India but throughout the world; in the state of Orissa, the cult of Jagannath is popular and, annually, the Jagannath Yatra holiday is celebrated in his honor; The Marathas worship their gods - Vithoba, Sadoba, Khandoba and others who are not included in the pantheon of the larger tradition of Hinduism, but they also enthusiastically celebrate the festival of the elephant-headed god "Ganesha", beloved by all Indians. Worship of gods is an important part of the daily life of Indian people. At the entrance to any building where Indians live or work, you can find a pot of holy basil tulsi, which is religiously venerated by everyone. Many Hindus are associated with various religious sects and attend weekly gatherings to listen to sermons. In addition to temples, mosques and gurudwaras, every home in India has small altars - places for worship, and images of Gods and Goddesses.

As we can see, India consists of diverse ethnic groups and despite the fact that each of them strictly adheres to its own set of traditions, there is still a common way of life observed by almost all Indians - this is the patriotism of the Indian people, the life of people united by a common brand - Indians.

1.2 National characteristics of Indians

Indians are a very heterogeneous nation. A well-bred and educated Brahmin and a tribesman living in the jungles of Orissa are both representatives of the same nation, but there is a deep cultural gulf between them. Meanwhile, most Indians have common character traits.

Indians are very friendly, helpful and smiling people. For the most part, Indians do not dislike foreigners and are always ready to help and show their participation. Indians are very inquisitive. However, this curiosity is sometimes excessive and tires tourists and travelers, whose person sometimes attracts excessive attention from the local population. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Indians are not aggressive or hot-tempered. In India you feel safe, even if you are surrounded by millions of people.

Indians are very religious. Almost everyone starts their day with prayers and worship of the gods. Almost everyone believes in God, incarnation and karma. Almost everyone respects religious shrines, even if they belong to another religion. Almost everyone believes in the supernatural, even if outwardly they pass themselves off as atheists and people with modern views on life.

Indians place a high value on family, children and family happiness. In many families, a patriarchal structure is maintained, when several generations of relatives live in one house and men and older family members run everything. Divorce in India is still rare, as is the absence of children in the family.

Despite their orthodoxy and patriarchy, Indians are open to everything new, learn quickly and adopt progressive ideas. Today India is one of the leaders in the field of high technology, science, literature and cinema.

When entering a private house or temple, be sure to take off your shoes. They are quite loyal to foreigners here, so they may not take off their socks, but you still shouldn’t wear them. And the most reasonable solution is not to wear them at all. Even men are required to cover their heads in Sikh temples.

Pay attention to the soles of your shoes, if you accidentally point them in someone else's direction - this may be regarded as a sign of disrespect. As in all countries, in India it is not customary to point the index finger. It's better to use your whole hand or nod your chin.

It is important to remember that public display of feelings is not encouraged in India. An ordinary hug or any kiss will be considered an indecent gesture. Moreover, you should not hold hands, both in crowded places and at a party.

On the streets of India you can meet a huge number of cows. Here this animal is considered sacred, so God forbid you offend her by any action. The consequences can be very sad (even life imprisonment).

Monkeys are also revered here. They can often be found in sacred temples. Here they are fed by both Indians and tourists. Some temples, for example the Palace of Winds in Jaipur, are generally not recommended for tourists to visit, because there are many monkeys there that are aggressive against people.

It’s a pity, but in many places in India it is prohibited to take photographs. Therefore, it is better to clarify this point immediately.

In India they love and know how to ask for baksheesh, that is, a reward for a service, which you always have the right to refuse. Giving alms in temples is a tradition, but still, beggars are everywhere in India. To avoid being branded as a generous foreigner, try not to give in to requests for alms too often, otherwise you risk gathering beggars from all over the area and being left completely without money. People here are not offended by refusals of baksheesh. However, if you want to get rid of beggars for sure, just don’t pay attention to them, and the children will have enough sweets or other sweets.

In India, it is customary to eat, give and receive things from another person only with the right hand. The left hand is always used in the toilet, so manipulating it is considered at least a sign of bad taste. Eating with your left hand or touching your mouth with it is considered indecent. But at the same time, during a meal, if you eat with your hands and want to take something from a common plate, you should still do this with your left hand.

Middle-class women should not shake hands with men when greeting them. Men and women should generally not touch each other in the presence of strangers. The most you can do is to join your palms in front of you and say “Namaste” as a greeting.

Remember that by shaking your head from side to side, an Indian can mean both “no” and “yes”, and this gesture means “yes” much more often. As you know, “no” in Europe means shaking your head left and right. But the Indian “yes” is similar to shaking water out of your ears after swimming or a familiar gesture that means “maybe let’s try.”

Europeans are sometimes surprised when they enter a real Indian toilet. The main reason for surprise is the lack of paper, because Indians use ordinary water for purification. Remember that you can safely use only the water that flows from the tap. If the water is in a bucket or other container, then it is better to use your own soap. In such toilets, it is better to touch things as little as possible, especially with your right hand. Every tourist hotel must have the familiar toilets, as well as toilet paper and a shower in each room.

India has a good tradition of taking an afternoon rest. At this time, you will see people everywhere, even in large cities, sleeping serenely somewhere in the shade. Chai in the Indian language sounds the same as the Russian word "chai". Almost no one uses the English “tea” in the country.

Remember that you must bargain on the streets! After all, if you do not know the exact price of the product, each seller will consider it his duty to raise it to 1000 percent and even higher.

Every Indian from the moment of birth belongs to a community, caste, inherits the profession of his parents and leads a lifestyle in accordance with religious and ethical traditions dating back to ancient times. The horoscope and determining the favorable time to start a particular business are of great importance. Despite the officially proclaimed equality, inter-caste marriages are rare and mainly in large cities. A high caste person is willing to go hungry but not do the work that low caste people usually do. Indians are sociable and friendly, but at the same time they can skillfully hide their feelings. Their virtues include moderation, cleanliness, patience, love of peaceful pursuits, especially agriculture, curiosity and the respect they have for science. In India, great importance is attached to family ties, and marriages are often concluded in the interests of two families wishing to become related. According to tradition, parents themselves choose grooms and brides for their children. Nowadays, some Indians are against these social rules by allowing young people to marry for love. Family ties are strong everywhere, except in the urban slums, where marriages are very fragile. Traditionally, in high castes, preference is given to a large undivided family, while among low-income castes, a nuclear family is preferred. However, in any case, the desire to maintain connections with loved ones at all levels of kinship remains. Dietary preferences also bear the imprint of caste hierarchy. Among Hindus, vegetarian castes are especially revered, completely eliminating animal products from their diet. Below are members of castes that do not adhere to vegetarianism, which are divided, in turn, into consumers of clean meat (lamb and goat meat) and unclean meat (pork and poultry). Social development reforms have significantly affected the position of women in society. However, to this day in India there remains a custom according to which a girl must formally marry at the age of 8-10 years, although the actual consummation of marriage is usually delayed until the age of 12-14 years. A widow cannot remarry, and her position in the house of her late husband's parents may be the most difficult. In many Indian villages, the way of life has remained virtually unchanged for the past few centuries. People still collect water from wells every day and light their houses with oil lamps.

In cities, many ordinary people live in densely populated slums, while wealthy Indians prefer to live in modern quarters equipped with the achievements of Western civilization. Some dress in a European style, while others prefer traditional clothes, such as the bright, colorful saris that many Indian women wear. The social life of Indian cities is centered on the bazaars, where thousands of people gather to exchange news and opinions.

A third of the country's inhabitants are concentrated in Indian cities. There are usually clear differences between the old central neighborhoods and the new development areas. In historical city centers, buildings are adjacent to each other, the streets are narrow and winding. In the new neighborhoods, houses are located on separate plots, the streets are straight and wide, and the population is more mixed in composition, since it is more often selected on the basis of social indicators, without taking into account caste or religious affiliation. The middle strata of the urban population are developing an orientation toward small families. In urban slums and among the rural poor, women's fertility is still highly valued, and the birth of a son - the future breadwinner - is considered an important event that ensures the continuation of the family. Until recently, there was a custom in the villages to send sons into service in the house of a wealthy patron. This practice still persists among very poor families, despite the fact that children under 14 are required to attend school under the compulsory education law, and forced debt service by “permanent household servants” was banned in 1976.

Chapter II. Indian verbal communication behavior

2.1 Indian verbal behavior in standard communicative situations

Business conversation

Indians give the impression of being very unobligatory people, and even more so from the point of view of the Germans. The straightforward German manager thinks about business first and finds it difficult to understand that in Bombay or Surat preference is given to human relations. And for Indian businessmen it is extremely important to understand a possible partner as best as possible.

“If you think that after a three-day trip to Bangalore you can bring home ready-made solutions, you are very naive,” says Margit Flierl, owner of the Nuremberg-based consulting firm Delta Consultants (Wendelsstein), and a trainer in the field of intercultural issues. Since 1999, she has been training managers from Siemens and Infineon to work in this huge country. Her advice is to give up telephone conversations in favor of communicating through a serious intermediary. This is the only way to get a worthy partner and lay a good foundation for future relationships.

Margit Flirl says: “In India, business is done with friends, so good personal relationships are its main prerequisite. You need to communicate with Indians delicately and patiently. Then the result will be good. In principle, in India you can agree on everything.

Indian bosses are always older than their subordinates; they are respected people. The tone of communication in companies is friendly and correct. By how often a particular matter is mentioned, one can judge how important it is.

Since Indians - out of politeness - do not ask questions, you need to ask yourself more often if everything is clear. It is customary to praise even for completing a small task. Indians pay much less attention to the “printed word”, unlike, for example, Germans, so they may not respond to emails.

If one of your colleagues invites you home, do not forget to take off your shoes at the door. Bare feet should not be exposed. Neutral conversations about politics are appropriate, but criticism of any manifestations of Hinduism is taboo." Communication among themselves: Indians are very scrupulous when it comes to signs of respect. Especially people who are elderly, wealthy or of high birth. Addressing such people is “sir.” . When calling a person by name, add a respectful “ji” to the name, for example, “Gopal-ji.” Or simply “Mr. Having received it, it is advisable to thank the owners and after a while (or immediately) remove the garland, handing it to one of the accompanying persons. Such a gesture indicates the modesty of the person who accepted the garland.

Instead of the usual handshake, Indians more often greet guests with the traditional greeting “namaste” (or “namaskar” - two palms pressed against each other at chest level. Therefore, instead of a handshake, especially if a woman is greeting guests, it is better to respond with a simple greeting, saying “namaste”, which in India traditionally means an expression of respect and good wishes. This, however, does not exclude a subsequent handshake, especially when meeting with ministers.

Everyday communication

When communicating, Indians often shake their heads from side to side, which should be considered a gesture of approval and satisfaction. Sitting with your legs crossed during a conversation is considered disrespectful to your interlocutor. The right hand is used to perform “clean” functions (eating, shaking hands, etc.), the left hand is used for personal hygiene purposes. This is where the custom of not serving food or gifts with the left hand comes from. In such cases, either only the right hand is used, or both hands together, with the left always being lower than the right.

Family relationships: Fortunately, difficult relationships in an Indian family are rather the exception to the rule. Meek, hard-working, patient daughters-in-law, especially those who “managed” to give birth to a son, quickly fit into the family circle. A step lower are those who give birth to girls. But since in India it is customary to have many children, over the years both boys and girls appear, and the woman-mother takes a strong place in the family.

Children in families grow up in an atmosphere of goodwill. The first words they hear call for kindness towards all living things. “Don’t crush an ant, don’t hit a dog, a goat, a calf, don’t step on a lizard, don’t throw stones at birds, don’t destroy nests, don’t harm anyone” - these rules take on a new form over time: “Don’t offend the younger and weaker, respect your elders, do not raise an immodest glance at a girl, do not offend a woman with an impure thought, be faithful to your family, be kind to children.”

Indians are characterized by naturalness - here you will not see defiant behavior or coquetry in the family circle. A woman tightly closes the ring of her inner world around her husband, his life, his interests to such an extent that all other men simply cease to exist for her.

Foreigners who have little knowledge of India and its people are often surprised by the “lack of contact” of local women, who do not seem to react at all to the presence of unfamiliar men. They love to dress beautifully - for their husband. They pamper their skin, tidy up their hair, darken their eyelids, paint the parting in their hair red, and put on jewelry for their husband. They learn to sing and dance - for their husband. And if the husband is alive and well, if he is devoted to the family - and this is a rule, exceptions to which are very rare - the woman is happy, she does not want anything more. The Indian family is large. It often consists of parents, their married sons with their wives and children, unmarried sons and unmarried daughters - sometimes up to sixty people live in the house. The tradition places the daughter-in-law under the full authority of the mother-in-law, and if a girl marries the youngest in the family, then the authority of the older daughters-in-law also extends to her. Only restraint brought up from childhood helps the mother-in-law to suppress her jealous hostility towards her son’s wife and not to offend her too much.

Men give their parents all their earnings, and the mistress of the house determines what and how the money should be spent. If the mother-in-law does not spoil her daughter-in-law with gifts, the latter should make do with the things she brought from her home or received as a wedding gift. If the mother-in-law does not consider it necessary to involve the daughter-in-law in discussing the family budget, in raising and educating children and solving other problems, the daughter-in-law will live as a free servant, spending her days at the hearth, at the children's bed, doing laundry, washing dishes, completely deprived of the right to vote. If the husband's relatives find it necessary to send the children to some relatives, they will send them away. If they find it necessary to take a second wife for the husband, they will take it.

Chapter III. Indian nonverbal communication behavior

Business conversation

When organizing official visits, Indians generally adhere to international rules. Typically, the head of the delegation and his wife pay a joint visit to the president and his wife, as well as the vice president and his wife. At protocol events, where officials from the minister and above are present, alcohol is not served, and toasts are raised with juices and soft drinks.

Along with protocol events for the head of the delegation, a separate program of stay is provided for his wife. According to Indian protocol, the high-ranking head of the delegation and his wife are accompanied by one of the members of the cabinet or government along with his wife.

The level of ceremonial honors depends on the residence where the distinguished guest resides. The most prestigious are the Presidential Palace (for the head of state), as well as the official residence of the Government of India - the Hyderabad Palace, located in the center of the capital.

In terms of other protocol paraphernalia (hanging flags, portraits, singing anthems, guard of honor, security, etc.), the Indian side, like other states, allows some deviations from the established norms, depending on the specifics of the visit and the significance attached to it . These issues, as a rule, are worked out in advance with the participation of representatives of the protocol services of both parties. Relations between the sexes: In India there is a taboo on everything related to intimate relations between the sexes. Any public displays of intimacy - be it kissing on the street or hugging - are considered a sign of bad taste and a violation of public order. A man and a woman should not even hold hands in public places. Especially far from large globalized cities. Also, a man should not approach an unfamiliar Indian woman, especially a young one, without a good reason. Symbolism of appearance: In India it is not customary to expose the body: arms, shoulders, chest, legs. Even in resorts like Goa, where the rules are not so strict.

Women wear a shalwar kameez with a dupata (can be custom-made or bought in clothing stores in India), that is, a long shirt with shirovars and a cape over the head and chest. There are no such strict rules for men.

Many modern restaurants, clubs and bars in major cities in India follow the usual dress code for these establishments. Foot Rule: When you enter a temple or a private home, be sure to remove your shoes. Before entering some shops and stores you are also required to take off your shoes. Do not touch anyone with your feet, do not extend your feet towards people, do not turn your feet towards sacred images and people - all this is offensive to Indians, as feet are considered dirty, even if you wash them every morning with soap. If you touch someone with your foot, ask for forgiveness or touch them with your right hand and then raise your hand to your head as a sign of respect.

Chapter IV. Traditions and holidays in India

Makar Sankranti (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh)

A holiday in honor of the arrival of spring and the rising of the sun in the North. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and some parts of Andhra, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship. Sweets made from sesame and sugar on this day are symbols of generosity and generosity towards everyone. Women put on new clothes, treat each other to sweets and give gifts.

Thai Pusam (Tamil Nadu)

This festival is usually celebrated in Kartikeya or Mariamman temples. Near the temples, ditches are dug and filled with burning coals for devotees to walk through. People who voluntarily decide to walk with faith in God do not cause themselves any harm. The chief priest of the temple and the 12 “young heroes” who must perform this feat are the first to leave the temple in procession to take a bath, sprinkle themselves with colored powder and begin to dance. Then they walk across hot coals and come out without a single wound. All this is accompanied by singing and fun, which continues until late.

Float Festival (Tamil Nadu)

This magical festival is celebrated in Madurai on the night of the full moon. Painted images of two gods, Sundares (a form of Shiva) and Meenakshi (a form of Parvati), with pearl crowns on their heads and riding a golden bull, are taken out of the Meenakshi temple. God Alagar (an incarnation of Vishnu) gives his sister Meenakshi in marriage to Sundaresa with great joy. Worshipers dressed in yellow and red dance in the crowd and pour colored water on each other. Images of gods are sent on a raft on the water among flowers and burning lamps.

National Kite Festival (Gujarat)

In Gujarat and other western states, the change in wind direction on Makar Sankranti is celebrated by flying thousands of colorful kites of all designs and sizes. Young people compete with each other in kite flying. The snakes are made by hand and the threads are coated with glass powder mixed with resin or refined wheat flour. This day ends with a flying kite tournament in which money and cups are prizes for the winners. Special snakes with paper lamps fill the night sky with a myriad of twinkling lights.

Kerala Village Fair (Kerala)

Mid-January is the time of cultural celebrations in the villages around Kovalam every year. Traditional thatched huts are decorated during this ten-day festival and become a venue for celebrations with dancing and music.

Bikaner Festival (Rajasthan)

The festival begins with a beautiful procession of decorated camels. This vibrant display of beautifully decorated camels captivates onlookers with their charm and brilliance. Various competitions are held, with typical Rajasthan pomp and fun, rhythmic music.

Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)

The Desert Festival is held in the golden city of Jaisalmer and lasts three days with music, fun, and dancing. Dancers swaying to the beat of a traditional tune, a turban-tying competition and the selection of the Lord of the Desert are part of this folk festival. The grand finale of the holiday is a trip to the sand dunes at Sam, where you can enjoy camel rides, folk dance performances and music on the sand.

Nagaur Fair

Nagaur comes alive during the annual community festival, which is one of the largest in the country. Nagaur bulls are known for their fleetness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with trading between buyers and sellers. Once prices for horses, bulls and camels have been set, the day continues with games, competitions, camel rides and ballads that create a cheerful atmosphere.

International Yoga Week (Rishikesh)

Yoga Week is held on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. Lectures and demonstrations are given by renowned yoga exponents throughout the week.

Elephanta Festival (Elephanta Island)

The festival is held on Elephanta Island, near Bombay, near the Elephanta Caves. This festival of music and dance is celebrated under the stars and turns the entire island into a huge hall.

Deccan Festival (Hyderabad)

Every year, tranquil Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan festival. Cultural programs are held with reading ghazals at night, riddles, and jokes. There are performances with sparklers. The food festival offers visitors the best of Hyderabadi cuisine.

Taj Mahotsav (Agra)

The ten-day Taj Mahotsav in Agra is a cultural platform that showcases unique Indian crafts and cultural nuances. This is a festive representation of India and the state of Uttar Pradesh. Folk music, poetry and classical dances, as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival are all included in the festival program. Indian language speech etiquette

Surajkund Crafts Mela (New Delhi)

To introduce traditional Indian crafts, a crafts festival is held annually in Surajkund. Experienced craftsmen and artisans display their works and crafts in a rustic setting. Cultural programs and village cuisine are also part of this vibrant celebration.

Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

A ten-day celebration of dance, drama and music. The exhibitions feature art and folk crafts, representatives of local flora and fauna and the underwater world. Additional activities: water sports, games and parasailing.

Gangaur(Rajasthan)

The festival is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and lasts 18 days. Celebrated by girls and married women in Rajasthan. Gauri's image is decorated with ornaments and offerings are made to her. This is also the time for young people to choose their life partner. A colorful procession accompanied by musicians, horses and palanquins turns the holiday into a fantastic performance.

Jamshed-E-Navroz (Jamshed navaroz - New Year's Day)

Celebrated by the Parsi community. Goes back to the legendary Persian king Jamshed, the compiler of the solar calendar. Parsis wear new clothes and decorate their houses with patterns of metal and flowers, and exchange sweets. They then visit the Fire Temple, where they express their gratitude.

Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)

A week-long celebration of classical Indian dance at the Khajuraho temples built by the Chandella rulers.

Elaphant Festival (Jaipur, Rajasthan)

A festival where elephants are the central figures of the performance. They walk at a slow pace, showing off their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses, accompanied by folk dancers. The highlight of the holiday: elephant running competitions and polo matches. The pinnacle of the festival is a tug-of-war competition between people and an elephant.

All banks and financial institutions, most offices and government institutions are closed.

Gudi Padva or Ugadi (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)

Marks the beginning of the new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. Gudi Padwa is considered one of the four most auspicious days of the year when people start new ventures. According to legend, Brahma created the world on this day, so he is especially worshiped at this time. It is also believed that the god Vishnu appeared on this day in the avatar of Matsya, a fish. The Gudi (banner) made of silk and bearing the swastika symbol is hoisted in honor of victory and joy and marks the return of the valiant Marathas home after successful wars of conquest.

Pooram (Trichur, Kerala)

In early April, the people of Kerala start looking for the best elephants in the state. Every temple in Kerala sends a procession of decorated elephants to Trichur to participate in the Pooram festival. Groups of decorated elephants stand facing each other while drums and nadaswarams provide music. The holiday ends with fireworks.

Muharram (All India, Muslim holiday)

Muharram is a day of mourning for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad Hussein. Marches and processions where you can see masked dancers and self-torturing religious fanatics. This procession is especially impressive in Lucknow. In the southern part of India, you can see tiger dancers - these are men, completely painted in stripes and dressed in tiger masks, they lead the procession. Day off for the Muslim community.

Mewar (Rajasthan)

Celebrated in Udaipur to celebrate the arrival of spring. The peak of the festival is the procession of women who carry images of Gaurir to Lake Pichola. The celebration includes cheerful singing, dancing, religious music concerts and fireworks.

Urs (Ajmer, Rajasthan)

Urs is celebrated annually in memory of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the day he reunited with God. Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay tribute to the saint. Kavalis poems are sung in honor of the saint.

Ganga Dussera (Uttar Pradesh)

Ten days of this festival are dedicated to the worship of the Ganga River. According to legend, Gangavataran or slopes to the Ganga were created during this time. Believers touch the water, plunge into it and take clay to take home. Arati rituals are performed in Haridwar, with a large number of believers praying on the banks of the river.

Hemis Festival (Jammu and Kashmir)

Celebrated in Hemis, one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, in honor of the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava. Bright dance numbers are performed in masks to the sounds of cymbals, drums and bugles. An exhibition of beautiful folk crafts is the highlight of this holiday.

Rathyatra (Orissa)

The festival is held at the famous Jaganatha Temple in Puri. The image of god Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken from the temple in palanquins to their summer temple for a week. The main palanquin is 14 meters long and 10 meters wide with 16 wheels. Millions of believers pull huge palanquins on ropes, and believe that this will bring them salvation.

Nag Panchami (West Bengal, Maharashtra, South India, Himachal Pradesh)

Naga Panchami (Snake Worship Day) dates back to the pre-Aryan period. On this day, especially in villages, they worship the cobra or its image, a symbol of energy and prosperity. In Maharashtra, the Ophiuchus magician walks with a cobra from house to house, asking for alms and clothes. The women offer milk and cooked rice to the snakes and gather around to watch the snakes move to the tune of the punga. During the day, clay images of snakes are worshiped in houses, and in the evening they are immersed in the sea. In southern India, especially in Kerala, snake temples are filled all day long with people worshiping stone or metal images of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Shesha. Public holiday in some parts of India. The date is wandering.

Janmashtami (Birthday of Krishna, one of the incarnations of Vishnu)

Janamashtami is celebrated throughout India, especially solemnly celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), where Krishna spent his childhood. Throughout the night, believers bring donations and religious hymns are sung in churches. Colorful dance festivals are held with performances telling the story of Krishna's childhood. In Maharashtra, oriental pots of curd and butter are hung high on all the streets. Young people play the role of child Krishna, climb the pyramids and try to break these pots. Day off everywhere. The date is wandering.

Tarnetar Mela (Tarnetar, Saurashtra, Gujarat)

This magnificent and unique festival is held annually at Tarnethar in Saurashtra. The festival coincides with the celebration of the wedding of the legendary heroes Mahabharata, Arjuna and Draupadi at the Trineteshwar Temple. The festival is a wedding market for the local tribes - Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. Traditional costumes, jewelry and beautiful Tarnetar umbrellas with embroidery and mirror inserts are sold here. Additional performances include folk dances such as garba, ras and haro.

Durga Puja (Bengal)

Performed during 9 days of Navratri. Community prayers in Bengal are organized daily at each place. Families visit each other. On Vijoya day, the idols are taken out in a procession to be immersed in the river or sea.

Funeral ritual Cremation (antieshti, lit. "last sacrifice") is the most common method of funeral in India from the time of the Vedas to the present day. The Indo-Aryans believed that, just as the sacred fire delivered sacrifices to the gods to Heaven, it could also transport the human body there. When the body was consumed by fire and turned to ashes, the deceased could receive a new body in the world of the death god Yama (Nirriti) and join the ancestors, as well as receive a reward or be punished for his misdeeds. It was believed that the souls of sinners buried in the ground became evil spirits. Currently, Hindus consider cremation to be extremely important for the well-being of the soul of the deceased; they understand it as the liberation of the soul from the earthly shell. Exceptions include the souls of deceased children, who were sinless and pure, and holy mendicants (sadhus), who are believed to have overcome evil tendencies in their lives and can therefore be buried as completely harmless. Cremation ceremonies were also not performed for women who died during pregnancy. Until the cremation is completed, the soul separated from the body is believed to be near its final abode and, being a spirit (preta), waits, finding no consolation and suffering. Cremation frees the soul to ascend to heaven. The house where the death occurred is considered unclean by the relatives of the deceased for several days. Purification is achieved by cremating the body of the deceased and other rituals. They are led by a priest, usually a brahman. The body of the deceased is washed by members of his family, and carried to the cremation site (shmashana) and other unpleasant procedures are performed by members of untouchable castes, who are considered ritually unclean. The body is washed, wrapped in white linen, leaving the face uncovered, covered with flowers and, after prayers and memorial ceremonies, carried on a stretcher to the shmashana. There a place for cremation is chosen, the body is placed on a bundle of firewood or brushwood, and the eldest son lights the fire. When the fire goes out, the son breaks the skull of the deceased, and the relatives collect the unburned remains and throw them into the river, if the ritual was performed on the river bank. It is believed that it is best to perform cremation (funeral) on the banks of the Ganges and other sacred rivers of India. If the cremation took place far from the river, the remaining bones are collected and left in a secluded place. Monuments were erected at the cremation sites of noble people, as well as where rites of self-immolation of widows or wives and children of soldiers going to their death took place. After cremation, family members of the deceased observe mourning (from 10 days to 1 month). They should not turn to deities, communicate with other people, cannot shave, cut hair and nails, comb their hair, and sometimes wear shoes or clothes. Purification of the family of the deceased is possible after the funeral ceremony (sraddha), when the soul of the deceased enters heaven or moves to another shell.

wedding ceremony

Indian wedding ceremonies are distinctly traditional, meaning that they remain almost the same as they were thousands of years ago. I will immediately emphasize the essential ways in which Indian marriage differs from all others. In other countries, a boy usually chooses a girl, but the opposite situation often occurs. In India, marriage depends entirely on the decision of the groom's parents. They look for a suitable bride for their son and negotiate with her parents about a future marriage. Little depends on the girl: in the end, her parents can simply order her to marry even an unfamiliar young man, and she is obliged to obey. This is why the Indian matrimonial system is called "arranged marriage".

On the wedding day, the bride and groom are not allowed to eat anything until the wedding ceremony begins. In the groom's house, girls from among the relatives perform wedding dances and songs. Then a small but important ritual is performed called "gaye kholud" - a ritual in praise of the color yellow, which Indians associate with the color of the sun and serves as a symbol of fidelity. The Gaye Kholud ceremony is very reminiscent of the festival of colors, Holi, with the only difference being that there is only one color - yellow. First, everyone present paints their foreheads, and then sprinkles yellow powder on each other.

After “gaye kholud,” the groom’s father, in a solemn voice, lists the names of the deceased relatives of this family, as if calling them as witnesses and informing the spirits of the ancestors that their descendant is getting married. Then all participants in the ceremony go to the bride’s house, where the “gaye kholud” ceremony is repeated.

The wedding itself is usually held in the evening - and always in the bride's house, where the groom arrives at the appointed hour, accompanied by relatives and friends. At this point, a small temple has already been prepared, specially built for the ceremony. It is covered with an awning, decorated at the corners with four palm trees and decorated with many fragrant flowers, mostly yellow. The groom stands on a flat stone and waits for several people to carry out the bride in a wooden palanquin - in a rich, usually bright red sari, with a lot of jewelry. The porters walk around the groom seven times, and then, stopping, ask the newlyweds to look into each other's eyes. This look is called “shubho drishti” - the very first look.

The entire wedding procession then moves to the place where the priest, having said a prayer and heard the oath of the newlyweds, will connect the hands of the newlyweds with a garland of flowers. At this moment, the groom will apply red paint to the forehead and parting of his bride: now they are already husband and wife. Then everyone goes to celebrate in a room called "bozargan", where a whole performance is staged with dances and songs. The fun lasts all night, and in the morning the guests leave the young wife’s house, taking her to her husband’s house, where gifts and blessings also await the newlyweds. There are no ceremonies on this day: everyone rests. And only the next day, at the husband’s house, the wife’s relatives are received with gifts, dinner and entertainment are arranged for them.

How to communicate in India: do's and don'ts

In Hinduism, it is not customary to shake hands; instead, the greeting is the gesture of shaking your own hands and bowing your head, accompanied by the phrase “namaste”. This can be translated as “I bow to you as a divine being.” But, of course, not only Hindus live in India.

If they extend their hand to you, you can shake it, but it is not customary for women to shake hands (however, as in our country in most cases). In general, touching a stranger, for example, taking her hand, is considered indecent, as is any physical contact such as a kiss or hug in a public place.

In tourist “reservations” the customs are somewhat different. For example, in Goa, merchants can easily grab your hand to shout their offer. The universal address to foreigners, and Indians too, is “my friend,” and you can easily address everyone the same way when starting a conversation.

Despite the abundance of languages and dialects, most Indians understand Hindi or English. In tourist areas, almost everyone speaks English, so it’s almost impossible to get lost - they will always give you advice and explain everything.

Well, for other areas, here are some greeting and simply polite phrases in Hindi:

Hello - Namaskar, Namaste, Ram-ram

See you soon - Fir milenge

Shubh Ratri - Good night

What is your name? - Ap ka nam kya he?

My name is... - Measure us... he

Thank you - Dhanyawat, Shukriya

Indian men are not against hugs when meeting, they can pat you on the shoulder, and, in general, they do not keep a great distance. If you are quite friendly and communicate in a friendly manner, your comfort zone narrows and you too may receive a pat on the shoulder or a hug. But! Only if you are a man.

Women behave more reservedly and hug in public, perhaps only with very close people - their best friend, for example. And hugging a man in public is out of the question.

In general, the most common gesture in India is shaking the head. This is a way for Indians to express greeting, approval, liking or agreement, so it shouldn't be taken as just a "yes." As a way of saying goodbye, Indians may nod their heads, make a namaste gesture, or simply wave.

How to walk outside

In Goa and all tourist places, everyone wears something light and whatever they need. Russian downshifters, for example, can hang around the city wearing tattered woolen socks instead of shoes.

But in other areas, in order not to attract attention to yourself, it is better not to choose short clothes - skirts or shorts, and wear something longer that covers your legs. It's also best to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or items that expose a lot of bare skin (especially in rural areas).

But in general, tourists are always treated condescendingly, so it is not necessary to wrap yourself in a long robe, just nothing provocative and without bare shoulders and knees.

As for shoes, many museums and temples will require you to take off your sandals, so if you stock up on a pair of cheap spare sandals, you'll have peace of mind and, in a pinch, you won't have to walk back barefoot.

By the way, about extreme cases: India is a rather poor country, so it is better to keep a closer eye on your belongings, for example, when you are relaxing on a bench or in any other place.

Smoking, alcohol and street beggars

Since 2008, India has had a ban on smoking in public places: offices, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, bus stops, etc. But you can smoke outdoors or in designated smoking areas, which are available in restaurants and hotels .

Drinking alcohol in public places is also not recommended; for example, in the state of Uttaranchal, you can get a fine of about $120 or go to jail for 3 months. Tough.

In general, it is not advisable to enter into conflicts with local residents, because if the matter comes to the police, the support of the local residents will be on the side, and you will most likely receive a fine.

There are many little beggars in different parts of India, and it is not advisable to give them money, because otherwise a whole crowd of screaming children will follow you or they will fight over your money. It's better to give them candy or cookies.

Well, if wandering ascetics ask you, give at least some. The same applies to Hindu temples, where it is possible and even desirable to leave offerings.

By the way, I need to say a few words about trade in India. It is customary to bargain here, and at the same time, everywhere - in markets and in shops. If you don’t know how to bargain at all, you will have to learn or buy all things three times more expensive.

Everyone has their own methodology: some talk for a long time, others simply tell their price and leave, and the sellers return them, agreeing to the conditions. In any case, Indians are quite friendly people, so don't get too excited during the bidding and get mad at them. If you don't like it, leave.

How to visit and behave at the table

If you are invited to visit, you can please the hosts with a gift: bring fruits, flowers or some kind of souvenir from Russia. Just don’t buy white flowers - they are usually given as gifts for funerals.

You can give money to friends on important dates like birthdays or weddings. It is advisable to wrap gifts in red, green or yellow paper, because these colors are considered lucky. Well, if you need to give something to a follower of Hinduism, don’t even think about choosing something leather for them.

If Indians have “given away”, you should not open the gift immediately, and you certainly should not accept it with your left hand (remember, it is considered unclean, and this will be impolite).

It’s customary in the house to take off your shoes, just like here, so it’s not surprising. You will definitely be offered drinks and food, but most likely no beef or no meat at all (for religious reasons, most Indians do not eat animals).

Be prepared to eat with your hands. I think there is no need to say that it is better to wash them before eating. Although you may be provided with a spoon, for example, for soup or rice, and in large cities they also use forks and knives.

What is very important is to take food with your right hand, because the left is considered unclean. Yes, left-handers will have a hard time, on the other hand, you can only eat with your left hand and not use your right.

You can only touch food with your right hand

At the table you may be asked some personal questions, even if you don't know them very well. This is not surprising or offensive, because Indians are curious people.

For example, they may ask about social status or salary. You, in turn, can also ask some personal questions, and Indians will be pleased that you are interested in their life.

When lunch is over, leave some food on your plate. This will show the hosts that you are full, and if your plate is empty, it means you are still hungry. Some followers of Hinduism do not speak while eating, but if you find yourself in such a society, you will immediately understand this.

Business Etiquette

Business attire in India is the same as in other countries - formal business suits for both men and women. In a business environment, by the way, women can also shake hands.

Indian businessmen often lack punctuality, and there is nothing offensive about being a little late for a meeting.

But it may take a long time before you even meet. It is advisable to get to know the right person through a third party, because in India they prefer to get to know a person well before starting anything with him, and a mutual acquaintance will add trust.

When you first meet, you may not get to the point: it will just be an introductory conversation in which the partners get to know each other better. You can present your potential partner with some souvenir from Russia, but not too expensive or pretentious.

In business relationships, Indians prefer to negotiate (this characteristic is noticeable even in ordinary trade), so you should not be too stubborn and do not agree to any concessions. Show flexibility, it will be good form.

Conclusion

Well, that’s all I wanted to say about etiquette in India. Some people adore this country, some consider it a dirty, stinking cesspool, some come here for spiritual enlightenment, and some, once they come, stay forever (carefree downshifters, for example).

They say that India turns to everyone with a different side, and to decide what it is like, you have to visit there. I hope the rules of etiquette will help you avoid getting into an awkward situation.

Business behavior and the specifics of doing business undoubtedly depend not only on the characteristics of personal culture, upbringing and education, but also on mentality, traditional values and principles of national culture. Asia is a special world, which in the twentieth century was actively involved in international business life, but representatives of Western and Eastern civilizations must take into account each other’s type of thinking, type of behavior, and type of business.

General features of business etiquette in Asian countries

Important features of Eastern business etiquette are based on the following:

traditionalism, ritual nature of doing business,
reliance on religion, ancient beliefs, eastern philosophies,
collectivist type of thinking,
formal hierarchical system of relationships, paternalism,
emotionally restrained type of behavior,
monochronicity, a special attitude to time.

All these features differ significantly from the secular, exclusively individualistic, cold, tough decision-making Western type of behavior, where time and exclusively official relations were introduced into a real business cult and brought good results throughout the twentieth century.

For reference: The teachings of the East - Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism can hardly be called religious: they form not only worldview and moral values, but also regulate social norms, public rules and business guidelines, being an invisible measure of behavior in all spheres of life.

Asians are convinced that business is built on trust, personal contacts and a leisurely pace. Respect for hierarchy and subordination, attention to personal life and individual reputation, respect, adherence to rituals and protocol in any activity - this is the cult for a typical entrepreneur from Japan, China or India, be it the owner of an international company or the director of a small company in Singapore.

Communication and establishing contact

It is customary to establish contacts in the East through intermediaries with a good reputation (whom you must thank in the future with a valuable gift). Letters and telephone conversations are undesirable at the first stage. In order for a business partner to be considered as a reliable companion, live contact, personal presence, demonstration of involvement in the process and sincere interest are necessary.

For reference: Confucianism developed the doctrine of “li”, according to which all rules and relationships in society are established, with the collective and traditions playing a dominant function.

In addition, the values for doing business in the East are:

representativeness: a business person is valuable not in himself, but as a representative of a team, organization, company,
hierarchy and correspondence of ranks: it is important to appear at business meetings in strict accordance with protocol and social status,
punctuality and politeness: friendliness, smiling, avoiding open conflicts and clashes, willingness to compromise,
restraint: any manifestation of emotionality, raising the tone, gesturing, hugging, clapping, even touching acquaintances is unacceptable (for example, holding a lady’s arm is a liberty).

Greetings in the East still rarely begin with a handshake. In some cases, Chinese representatives demonstrate loyalty to the West and adopt the tradition of handshakes, but Japan remains faithful to the ritual of exchanging business cards.

The exchange of business cards is one of the most important elements of acquaintance and a mandatory ritual, the observance of which is necessary to establish friendly contact. A business card is the second face of a business person, it must contain complete data: regalia and contacts, preferably text in two languages - English and Chinese (Japanese). The absence of a card will be perceived as business dishonesty and unreliability of the partner.

The business card must be handed over with both hands

The transfer of the card is carried out precisely as an important ceremony: it must be handed over and accepted with both hands, then be sure to study its contents, say the name out loud, and place it on the table or in a special case in front of you. It is disrespectful to make any notes on a business card, carelessly put it in your pocket, or forgetfully leave it on the table. It is advisable to have a business card for all important representatives of the delegation.
Typically, Eastern businessmen organize numerous delegations: each member is responsible for a separate stage or narrow responsibility. However, a strict hierarchy is established within, in which those of lower status are strictly prohibited from interfering in the negotiation process without permission.

For reference: Western delegations also require representative teams, where an important role is played by translators (preferably several), whose task is to understand complex ceremonies and capture the subtleties and nuances of each stage of negotiations.

Decision-making

To make a decision, an Eastern businessman needs a trusting and personal relationship with a partner. Hence the long process of negotiations and establishing contact, interest in personality and character, attention to personal life and the smallest nuances of behavior.

For reference: Taoism is the doctrine of “wu-wei” – the practice of non-action. Non-resistance to the laws of Nature and Time. The highest wisdom is to be capable of inaction and follow circumstances.
Decision making is influenced

character and behavior: quiet and calm tone, respectful attitude towards partners and members of the delegation,
willingness to give in on small things is an undeniable virtue, any criticism: unflattering assessments of both the political or social structure of the state, and the personal qualities of any of the representatives of the delegation are unacceptable,
insubordination: undermining the authority of the leader in the eyes of subordinates is impossible; you cannot interrupt, confuse, rush or otherwise verbally influence the speaker,
disrespectful attitude towards colleagues: for an Eastern person to put in an awkward position - to show not just rudeness, but even to offend,
a direct no is an unacceptable insult.

There are many nuances to consider when negotiating

For reference: In the East, the key concepts are: decency, “decency”, decency, permissibility, politeness. Everything that is indecent is condemned, condemned and insults decent people.

Nuances of behavior that should not mislead Europeans:

wait-and-see tactics are the basis of the behavior of any representative of the East: his task is to listen, take into account, but not comment, but only notice details, results and voice conclusions - only at the end of negotiations,
nodding does not mean approval, the expression “I understand” does not mean agreement either,
decisions are never made spontaneously, depend entirely on the head of the delegation or the highest representative of the organization, leader and require time,
It is impossible to hear the answer “no” from a representative of the East, because it is a gross violation of etiquette and is always veiled by phrases about the need to think or that “it’s too difficult.”

If the decision is positive, it will be directly announced. At the same time, the responses from the Western side should become lightning fast: Eastern people value efficiency precisely at the stage of extra-protocol events.
The main advantage and strength of business people of the East is that they strictly and thoroughly fulfill all their obligations.

Direct communication

Attendance at all protocol events is mandatory, but even in a more relaxed atmosphere you cannot take off your jacket and loosen your tie more freely: neatness, pedantry, modesty are the conditions for gaining a reputation as a worthy and reliable partner.

In an informal setting, you should also adhere to certain rules.

For reference: Zen Buddhism forms the doctrine of the perception of life and beauty as an intuitive process that cannot be expressed through words or specific images. Hence the equality of views between the creator and the perceiver, the speaker and the listener.

Protocol for gifting souvenirs

gifts must be received and given with both hands,
Souvenir packaging cannot be printed in front of guests,
usually the hosts of the meeting give gifts, and their value is regulated so as not to discourage or put the recipient of the souvenir in an awkward position,
unacceptable gifts: watches, fruits, anything related to the number 4,
acceptable: good and expensive alcohol, luxury chocolate, souvenirs with a company logo (for example, an expensive pen), nesting dolls or other national attributes, such as warm winter clothes, expensive books about art with reproductions and photographs.

Table behavior protocol

During lunch and the tea ceremony you need to sit with your legs tucked under you

Only the hosts seat guests at the table, according to their position and status,
when offering food, it is customary to politely refuse first,
It is correct to try every dish, but large portions and overeating are considered obscene,
Excessive alcohol consumption is unacceptable,
chopsticks are part of the ritual - they cannot be waved, it is forbidden to cross them or stick them into rice,
moving food around the plate is bad form.

For reference: In Japan, during lunch you will have to take off your shoes (clean and high-quality socks are required), you will have to sit on the floor with your legs tucked under you (men are allowed to sit more freely - with them crossed), and you will also have to remember the main thing - stretching your legs in front of you is prohibited.

It is advisable to obtain more complete consultations from cultural representatives and carefully monitor the behavior of those present: Eastern people do not make comments, but they politely and unobtrusively make the essence of what is happening clear and delicately do not notice awkward failures.
In a word, to establish strong business contacts with a representative of the East requires not just interest, but also acceptance of his closed culture, agreement with his conditions of many rituals and traditions. However, the result will not be long in coming: reliability, respect, constancy and compliance with even verbal agreements and details are the key to successful business in the rapidly developing and promising Asian market.

In contact with

India is very difficult for a European to understand. This is a very diverse country, where on a modest piece of land (by the standards of diversity) four different religions, 24 (!) official languages and 844 dialects dominate. The state of Goa is a tiny part of the country where tourists go, but exploring it is not limited to swimming in the sea and watching cows on the beach. Some states of the country are rarely similar to each other; the only thing that unites all residents of the country is traditions and etiquette.

Caste system

Castes were abolished back in 1950, but they still have a huge impact on the life of an Indian, determining his place of residence, occupation and even social security. In large cities, external signs of caste are almost invisible. Almost everyone wears European clothes. But a person’s surname (which was originally used as a former caste designation), his behavior, circle of acquaintances and occupation reveal his family and belonging to any caste.

There is still a caste of “untouchables” (“Dalits”) - people who do any menial work associated with hard physical labor: from garbage collectors and cleaners to laundresses and shoemakers.

Sacred animals

Cows are the first thing India can be associated with. This is a sacred animal in Hinduism, there are really very, very many of them here, especially in cities. Cows are allowed to roam wherever they want without being tethered. This is safe for the population, but sometimes the animal can impede traffic, cause traffic jams, or even provoke an accident (if a driver accidentally runs over a cow, he faces imprisonment).

Among the Hindus, it is considered a good sign to give the cow some kind of treat before breakfast. Unfortunately, bulls are not given such honors in India; they are used as ordinary labor.

Elephants also enjoy special honors and respect from the Indian people. Each elephant in India has its own passport, which indicates its gender, special features, age and its work activity. Every few years, a census of all elephants in India is conducted.

Monkeys also have special privileges. In Jaipur, special temples have been built for primates, where entire families live. Animals spoiled by attention do not behave very well: there are aggressive individuals, but, as a rule, dislike is limited only to petty theft and begging. For these reasons, India can become a paradise for vegetarians; the national cuisine is rich in dishes without meat and animal products. On almost every street you can see a pure vegetarian cafe, where only vegan and raw food dishes are served.

Indian clothes

Still relevant today. The history of Indian costume is unique and amazing, and most importantly, its traditions have survived to this day. Of course, most Indians (especially young people) wear European clothes, but this has not diminished the popularity of traditional outfits.

Saree is the most beautiful, colorful, famous and traditional women's clothing. This is a separate piece of fabric, up to 12 meters long, which is wrapped around the entire body in a certain way. Sari is a unique dress code for government workers. Most Indian airlines dress their flight attendants in saris. It looks very beautiful and unusual, especially when you fly to India from some northern country. Girls from the age of 12 are taught to wear a sari. You must admit that wrapping a 12-meter piece of fabric around yourself beautifully is an extremely difficult task. It is not easy to move in a sari, but it makes your gait special and your posture graceful.

Buying a sari as a souvenir is not worth it: firstly, it requires a certain skill to wear it, and secondly, this is the clothing of married ladies.

The classic men's suit is the dhoti (a loincloth, artfully draped) and the kurta (a long, wide, knee-length silk shirt).

Tourists, in order not to attract attention to their appearance, should follow a few simple rules of etiquette:

— Leave overly revealing clothes for the beach. Hindus are generally very conservative, especially in rural areas. The ideal clothing is one that covers the knees and shoulders. But the stomach may be open. In India it is considered very beautiful.

— Take off your shoes indoors. Especially if you go to a mosque, temple, museum or historical monuments. If you see a stack of shoes standing at the entrance to a store, cafe or massage parlor, you should take off your shoes. Don't be afraid, the interior is clean, which, unfortunately, cannot be said about the streets. It’s better to buy sandals with Velcro: you’ll have to take off your shoes a lot.

Family life and marriage in India

A wedding is an extremely significant event in the life of a Hindu. Even poor people throw lavish feasts for several hundred guests. Wedding rituals are strictly observed, a tribute to thousand-year-old traditions and customs. The main thing is that parents still decide everything: they are looking for a suitable bride for their son, acting as diplomats, sponsors and organizers of this event. Each parent tries to outdo the other family in the abundance of wealth and generous gifts. The main customs of a wedding are when yellow powder is poured onto the bride’s head, accompanied by traditional dances and songs. It is believed that this ritual will bring happiness to the future family.

Men are responsible for the financial condition of the family. Women also work, but most of their time is spent raising children and maintaining a home.

Indian beauty standards are slightly different from those of the Western world. Thinness is not considered beautiful here. If a Hindu is thin, it means he is poor and sick. Since ancient times, plumpness has been valued in the country. Excess weight is a symbol of wealth that only a small part of the country can boast of.

How to behave in India (rules for tourists)

Indians have no concept of personal space at all. Often a Hindu will stand close to you if he is telling something. At first you experience a certain discomfort, then over time you get used to it. The main thing is to step aside; this may offend your interlocutor.

Indians love to be photographed. But before taking a photo, it is better to ask permission just in case (especially for women).

Shaking your head is a special gesture that expresses approval, curiosity, greeting, and not just an affirmative answer, as is customary with us.

Local markets are a real paradise for those who like to argue and bargain. Most often, “max price” is written along with the price on price tags. If you see such an inscription, it means that bargaining is not only possible, but even necessary.

If you are invited to visit, take with you a small gift for your family and children (sweets, souvenirs from Russia, local fruits, some dessert). The main thing is not to buy white flowers - they are brought to funerals.

Hindus eat with their hands. You should take food with your right hand; the left hand is considered unclean (you can only help with your right hand). Alas, lefties will have a hard time.

If there is a sign “Indian only” in front of the entrance to the temple, there is no need to insist.

Indians are very curious people. Don’t be embarrassed if, in addition to standard questions, they are interested in your salary or some personal aspects of your life. This is their way of expressing their interest in you.

Indian etiquette. Dining etiquette in India, how is it customary to eat there? Relations between the sexes

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