Describing India in just a few words is nearly impossible. India is a vast nation that is wild and gentle, fierce and polite, so traditionally rich and dynamic at the same time.
‘Incredible India’ is probably the closest you can get. Once you step your foot in this amazing country of rich heritage and colorful history, you are bound to be wonder struck.
As a traveler, you will come across a range of hand gestures unique to India. Some of these are customary, while some are used in the street everyday.
Indian hand gestures are heavily inspired by various ‘Mudras’ from Indian Classical dance forms.
Having a general knowledge of Indian hand gestures will help you easily blend with the culture and connect better with the natives.
Indian Hand Gestures: Decoding the Body Language of India
1. Namaste
The most popular Indian hand gesture is Namaste (नमस्ते) or Vanakkam (வணக்கம்). So, if somebody folds their hands together with open palms, there’s no need to be clueless.
It means they are welcoming you. The most beautiful thing is that you will always notice a pinch of a smile on their face while doing namaste. It literally is the gesture of warm regards, respect, and acceptance.
‘Namaste’ simply translates to greetings.
The best thing is that this gesture fits all. Whether you are entering a temple or meeting a new Indian friend, ‘namaste’ suits every occasion perfectly. Don’t forget to throw in a gentle smile and top it off with a slight bow.
2. Touching Feet
One of my friends saw an Indian movie and told me with wonder in his eyes that Indians touch each other’s feet all the time.
Why do you think they do it? Is this some yoga performance?
No, touching someone’s feet is an Indian custom to show respect. Mostly young folks touch their elders’ feet, bowing down.
Surprisingly, this is not the end of this custom. In return, the elder touches the person’s head and blesses them.
You may find it hard to get along with, but this gesture is deeply rooted in Indian culture.
3. Forget your left hand
It may seem crazy, but Indians find it rude to use their left hands on most occasions. In Hindu culture, it is clearly instructed to perform any auspicious activity with the right hand.
It has gradually become a norm. Even if you pay a street vendor with your left hand, they will ask you to give the money with your right hand.
On a similar note, Indians may shake your hand with the right hand and touch your left shoulder with the other hand. Don’t get scared; they don’t want to thrash you; it’s just a symbol of assuring closeness.
It’s a silent gesture of saying, ‘I got your back.’ Don’t forget to smile unlike Michael Scott in the picture.
4. Don’t touch anything with your feet
Do you want to push a door in India? Do you need to point at something? Don’t ever do it with your feet. Indians find it rude and sometimes unholy to touch things with their feet.
So, even if your hands are busy, just roll your eyes towards the thing you want to do, don’t ever use your feet. Do things with your hands instead.
5. Say ‘Wow’ without even saying it
This gesture will amuse you for sure. Have you ever seen an Indian in a restaurant, engrossed in delicious food, just doing some symbol with their hand?
Well, it means the food is awesome. This hand gesture, also called the chin or ‘vitarka mudra,’ is considered a sign of appreciation or a way of saying all’s good.
Next time you go to India, try this out. Just make a circle with your thumb and index finger and keep all the fingers open. People will automatically understand what you mean.
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6. Slap on Forehead
If you see someone slapping their forehead, just try to console them. In India, people slap their foreheads as a gesture to show their helplessness or loss.
You may have seen it in Indian movies. Although, it doesn’t hurt to know more about it.
Whenever you feel life is meaningless or just want to blame your destiny, this is the perfect sign to express your frustration.
7. Head-Shaking/Nodding
Indians are expressive, unapologetically. You will find most Indians talk in a certain manner where they use their hands and nod their heads to describe something.
Don’t assume that they are in pain or something; this is how most Indians talk. It’s fun; you may also try some nodding while talking.
8. Ashirwad
If you notice carefully, you will notice statues of Indian Gods holding their right hand open towards the audience.
This particular hand posture means that God or the person is blessing you. On every Indian occasion, you will find a generous grandma who gives blessings like this to all the young people there.
Don’t forget to do the ‘namaskar’ in return.
9. Touch-wood Gesture
Like English speakers say touch-wood whenever they try not to break a good spell, Indians have their own hand gestures.
Again, elders, mostly women, roll both of their hands behind their ears and say ‘Nazar Na Lage’ in a protective way. It seems sweet as they make the gesture and try to protect the person in front of them from evil eyes.
Try it out with your kids someday.
FAQs
1. How can I learn how to make Indian hand gestures?
There is no book that will teach you how to make Indian hand gestures. You can ask your Indian friends to teach you, or else when you visit India, keep a close eye on people and how they use their hand gestures to express different emotions.
2. How long does it take to learn Hindi?
Learning Hindi, or any other Indian language with an Indo-European background, takes about 2-3 years to learn properly. Although, it depends on the level you want to reach. According to instructions from FSI, English speakers should spend at least 1100 hours learning Hindi.
3. Which hand gesture is inappropriate in India?
Mostly, using your left hand or legs to do things is considered offensive or inappropriate in India. Hindu people perform Pujas with their right hand. So, whenever you are in a Hindu temple, don’t use your left hand to give your offerings in front of the god.
Also, refrain from using your left hand for monetary transactions in India; people find it inappropriate.
4. Is eye contact rude in India?
No, making eye contact with people in India is not rude. However, Indian people don’t usually make eye contact with an opposite gendered person.
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Conclusion
Gestures are not only symbols to express certain feelings, but hand gestures are more of a local language.
Just like the Japanese have their custom of greetings, Indians have their own set of gestures.
Learning hand gestures will make you feel connected to the culture and help you understand and communicate with Indians better.
So, what are you waiting for? Before your next trip to the ‘Incredible India,’ make sure you know the hand gestures and their meanings.
Learn Hindi, the most popular regional language in India. Here, check out the online Hindi course from EnthuZiastic.
Greetings from my side, नमस्ते |
