Local Customs & Etiquette in Bhayandar, India

1. Temple Visit Etiquette

Respect temple customs like removing shoes, covering head and not pointing feet towards deities.

Footwear Removal: Removing shoes before entering a temple is essential to show respect.
Headcovering: Covering your head shows reverence and is expected in temples.
No Pointing Feet: Never point your feet at deities as it's considered disrespectful.

Give up your seat for the elderly or pregnant women and avoid eating in public transport.

Seat Sharing: Sharing seats is a common practice in Indian public transportation.
Respect for Elders: Elderly people are given priority when it comes to seating.
No Eating: It's considered impolite and disrespectful to eat on public transport.

Use the right hand when greeting, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Right Hand Usage: Always use your right hand when shaking hands or greeting.
Namaste Gesture: The Namaste gesture is a common form of greeting and respect.
No Cheek Kissing: Cheek kissing is not a common greeting in Bhayandar.

Use your right hand for eating and avoid eating with your left. Also, never touch food directly with your fingers.

Right Hand Usage: Use your right hand when eating meals.
Finger Food: Avoid picking food directly with your fingers. Use cutlery where available.
No Drinking Water: Don't drink water from the tap or bottle in restaurants, always ask for bottled water.

Modest clothing is expected in public places. Avoid wearing revealing or provocative outfits.

Modesty: Cover your legs and shoulders to show respect in public places.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of local customs and traditions when dressing.
No Swimwear: Swimsuits are not acceptable attire in public places outside beaches or pools.

Ask permission before taking photographs of locals, especially if they are in religious areas.

Permission: Ask for permission to take photographs of people.
Respect for Religious Sites: Photographing religious sites is allowed but be respectful and follow rules.
No Flash Photography: Avoid using flash when photographing inside temples or religious sites.

Tips are expected in restaurants and taxis but not in shops. Tip around 10% in restaurants.

Restaurants: Tip about 10% in restaurants for good service.
Taxis: Give drivers a small tip for their services, especially if they help with luggage.
Shops: Tipping is not expected in shops or stores.

Gifts are given during festivals and special occasions but avoid gifting leather items to Hindus.

Festivals & Occasions: Gift-giving is common during Diwali, Holi, or wedding celebrations.
Leather Items: Avoid gifting leather items to Hindus as cows are considered sacred.
Modest Gifts: Gifts should be modest and appropriate for the recipient's status.

Building relationships is essential in Indian business culture. Punctuality is also important.

Relationship Building: Building a rapport is crucial before discussing business matters.
Punctuality: Arriving on time for meetings shows respect for your counterparts.
Formal Dress Code: Business attire is expected in professional settings.

Take off shoes when entering a home and offer gifts like sweets or flowers.

Shoe Removal: Remove your shoes before entering someone's house.
Offering Gifts: Small gifts like sweets or flowers are appreciated when visiting a home.
Respect for Elders: Show extra respect and attention towards the elder members of the household.

Avoid eating on the street but if needed, use a banana leaf as a plate.

No Eating on Street: Eating on the streets is considered unhygienic and impolite.
Banana Leaf as Plate: If eating street food, use a banana leaf as a makeshift plate.
Avoid Leftovers: Do not save leftover food from the street for later consumption.

Participate in local festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali but be respectful of local customs.

Respect Local Customs: Follow local traditions when participating in festivities.
Ganesh Chaturthi: Join the celebration of Lord Ganesha's birthday in August or September.
Diwali: Participate in the five-day festival of lights, usually held in October or November.

Give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women. Avoid loud conversations in quiet zones.

Seat Sharing: Share seats with others if there is no empty seat available.
Respect for Elders: Give up your seat for the elderly or pregnant women when necessary.
Quiet Zones: Respect quiet zones on trains and avoid loud conversations.

Negotiate prices in markets but be respectful and willing to walk away if needed.

Negotiation: Always negotiate the price before buying.
Respectful Negotiations: Be polite and respectful during negotiations.
Walk Away Option: Be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a fair price.

Speak loudly and clearly in public. Avoid raising your voice unnecessarily.