10 Things You Must Not Do In India

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India is a land of many contradictions. There are some things that seem to contradict each other about this great nation's complex culture. When people from the West come to India, they are sometimes confused by our Indian way of doing things. They do not know about the things you must not do in India. These are very unique things about the Indian culture that is ingrained in each one of us.

There are some things that Indian do not do out of habit. For example, we do not wear our outside shoes in the house. Now, these things not to do in India can be hard for foreigners to understand. However, for us, it is just a way of life. Sometimes, this clash of East and West can give you very awkward and funny moments.

For instance, there are some weird things Indian women do. They never shake hands readily with a man. It is much better to join your hands and do a 'namaste' to be on the safer side. If you are not an Indian and travelling to the subcontinent, then you need coaching in the things you must not do in India.

To know what are these things that Indians do not do, check out this list.

Kiss In Public

Kissing in public, holding hands in public or even things about getting intimate in public is a cognisable offence in India. So, please do not do any of the above even casually.

Walk Into Someone's House With Shoes On

They may be polite and smile at you while you sit in their house with your sneakers on. However, the moment you leave they will purify their house with 'gangajal' and curse you while they are at it.

Shake A Woman's Hand

Never hold a woman's hand unless she offers it to you herself. It is considered 'forward' for a man to shake hands with a woman in India. And for God's sake, do not be cocky and kiss her hand! You will be lynched.

Use Your Left Hand For Anything

According to Indian culture, the left hand is 'impure' as you wipe your ass with it. So, do not pass things, give money and take food with your left hand. And this rule applies to left-handers as well.

Look At A Cow And Think 'Beef'

You can fantasise all you want, but never dream of making any 'holy cow' jokes in front of Indians. They can get very sentimental about cows.

Wear Shorts

In India, it is perfectly acceptable for you to drape a dupatta over your night gown and go out to shop. But if you are wearing shorts, then you are 'dressed up' and looking for trouble.

Offer To Help With The Dishes

Indian men do not do certain simple things like help in the kitchen. And guests are not supposed to wash dishes in the host's place. So, do not be the ideal house guest and offer to help with the dishes.

Step On Money Or Food Or Anything

The foot is considered 'unclean' or 'inferior', according to Indian culture. So do not step on food, money or anything holy in India. And never step on stray lemons and chillies because they are contrived out of black magic.

Call People Elder to You By Name

It is not acceptable to call people elder to you by their first names in India. So if you are meeting your friend's parents, remember to call them 'Uncle' and 'Auntie' even if they are not related to you.

Say That Football, Tennis Or Any Sport Is Better Than Cricket

India is a cricket crazy nation and Indians are amazingly illiterate about other games. So, baseball is something they only read about in books. So never talk sports with Indians.