Showing respect is an important part of Indian culture. There are many ways that Indians demonstrate respect in their daily lives and interactions with others. From honorifics to gestures to etiquette, respect permeates Indian society.
Using Honorifics
One of the most common ways Indians show respect is through the use of honorific titles. When addressing others, especially elders and authority figures, using the appropriate honorific shows respect.
Some common Indian honorifics include:
- Ji – Added to names as a sign of respect. For example, “Namaste Ramesh ji”
- Babu/Bibi – Respectful terms for men and women. “Hello Bibi”
- Bhai/Didi – Brother/Sister. Used for peers too as a friendly respectful address. “How are you Bhai?”
- Mata/Pita – Mother/Father. Used for elders to show respect.
- Uncle/Aunty – Used for older people, even those not related.
Using the appropriate honorific demonstrates humility, propriety and acknowledgement of status differences. Failing to use honorifics when expected would be seen as very rude and disrespectful.
Respectful Gestures
How one holds themselves physically also communicates respect in Indian culture. Gestures like bowed heads, avoiding eye contact, and lowered posture display respect to elders and social superiors.
Some respectful gestures include:
- Namaste – The traditional Indian greeting said with palms pressed together centrally and accompanied by a slight bow. This graceful gesture shows respect.
- Sashtanga Namaskar – Touching the feet of elders by bowing down completely. This shows utmost honor and is saved for venerable figures.
- Adab – Raising a flat right hand to one’s forehead to greet Muslims respectfully.
- Avoiding shoulder contact – Walking with distance from someone indicates deference to their personal space.
Making respectful gestures is seen as proper etiquette towards superiors. It is a non-verbal expression of submitting to hierarchy and authority.
Forms of Address
Using respectful forms of address also demonstrates esteem and reverence in Indian culture. How one refers to another person reflects social norms and status.
Some guidelines for polite forms of address include:
- Refer to others by honorific + surname. Like “Mr. Kapoor” or “Dr. Mehta”. Never just first names.
- Use kin terms like Aunty/Uncle for elders, regardless of actual relation.
- Address seniors and officials by their designation. Like “Manager Sahab” or “Your Honor”.
- Refer to religious figures respectfully. For example, “His Holiness Pandit Sharma”.
Forms of address signify the level of closeness, position, and formality between people. Using respectful forms is an expected social practice.
Marking Social Hierarchy
Indian culture follows a strict social order based on factors like age, profession, wealth and gender. Behaving in ways that uphold hierarchy demonstrates respect for one’s position in society.
Examples include:
- Sitting at a lower level than elders during gatherings
- Serving food first to the eldest/superior ranked members
- Not initiating conversation directly with higher class individuals
- Waiting for social superiors to speak first before joining in
Though the class structure is loosening today, observing traditional hierarchy conveys respect for Indian social values.
Dress & Appearance
Respect in Indian culture extends to one’s personal dress and grooming choices. Attire is a sign of dignity and regard for social norms.
Some sartorial tips include:
- Dressing modestly and conservatively, covering shoulders and knees.
- Avoiding tight, revealing or provocative clothing.
- Maintaining neat and tidy grooming, trimming hair.
- Wearing sari or salwar kameez to temples and during pujas.
Dressing appropriately demonstrates respectability and cultured taste according to Indian values.
Greeting Elders Appropriately
Indian culture prescribes specific greeting etiquette based on age and stature. Using the right greeting formulas conveys respect.
Some examples:
- Touching feet of elders when greeting them.
- Using “Namaste” with a slight bow to greet respectfully.
- Not using informal ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’ with elders.
- Asking “Aap kaise hain?” rather than “Tum kaise ho?” to politely inquire.
Following age-based greeting norms, however old-fashioned, highlights regard for Indian traditions.
Visiting Temples & Sacred Places
Showing respect towards religion and places of worship is integral in Indian culture. Some ways to display reverence include:
- Removing shoes before entering temples or mosques.
- Wearing modest clothes that cover shoulders and legs.
- Carrying offerings of flowers, sweets or coconut.
- Hands folded in namaste when praying.
- Circumambulating or bowing before deities.
- Sitting cross-legged or without feet pointed at alters.
Following temple protocols and customs demonstrates spiritual respect.
During Mealtimes
Indian dining etiquette provides many opportunities to convey respect.
Some examples include:
- Waiting until elders are seated before taking one’s own seat.
- Not beginning to eat before superiors have started.
- Serving food with the right hand only.
- Not passing food directly from hand to hand.
- Abstaining from certain foods and alcohol when with conservative elders.
Minding mealtime manners highlights regard for Indian decorum and elders.
Visiting Homes
When visiting Indian homes, there are customs to follow that demonstrate respect:
- Removing shoes at the door.
- Bringing gifts like flowers, sweets or fruit.
- Greeting elders first.
- Sitting in the designated spot for guests, often on the floor.
- Accepting Prasad respectfully with both hands.
- Dressing conservatively.
Following house visiting etiquette shows honor and adaptability to Indian norms.
During Conversations
Discussion customs also indicate respect in Indian culture:
- Not interrupting when others are speaking.
- Listening attentively by maintaining eye contact.
- Considering age/status and speaking accordingly.
- Keeping hands clasped while listening.
- Avoiding controversial topics like politics with elders.
Following conversational etiquette demonstrates deference for others.
Seeking Blessings from Elders
It is Indian tradition to humbly seek blessings from elders during occasions like:
- Birthdays
- Religious festivals
- Before trips or important events
- Weddings
- When leaving elders’ homes
Bending to touch elders’ feet while they bless by placing a hand on the head shows profound respect.
Giving & Receiving with Two Hands
Using two hands rather than one to give and take things symbolizes respect in Indian culture. This includes:
- Giving and accepting Prasad at temples
- Presenting and receiving gifts
- Offering and taking business cards
- Passing books and other objects
The two handed gesture displays deference and care.
Speaking Regional Languages & Dialects Where Expected
India’s vast cultural diversity comes with hundreds of regional languages. Respecting linguistic preferences by speaking:
- Hindi in North India
- Bengali in East India
- Marathi in Maharashtra
- Tamil in Tamil Nadu
Shows regard for local norms, and makes communication more effective.
Avoiding Public Confrontation & Criticism of Elders
Publicly questioning, challenging or criticizing superiors and elders is seen as very disrespectful. Respect requires:
- Voicing dissent or grievances privately and gently, if necessary.
- Avoiding direct confrontation, yelling or insults.
- Following rather than leading in grey situations.
Keeping calm and following protocol demonstrates regard for authority.
Conclusion
Respect permeates Indian society, from young to old. Though some traditions are slowly evolving, respect remains an essential virtue. Using proper etiquette, body language, dress, forms of address, conversation techniques and greetings displays regard for Indian cultural values. Respect upholds social harmony.