Local culture in India

With its unmatched diversity and contrasting character that can both be enthralling and mystifying, India's culture may take some adaptation for you. The country's humid climate, muddled traffic blocks and a hodgepodge of overexcited hawkers and guides are a lot to handle initially.

But the country also welcomes all new arrivals with considerable warmth, and those who leave often miss the sights and smells more than anything else.

Meeting and greeting in India

Greeting customs in India are deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Common practices include Namaste, where palms are pressed together with a slight bow, signifying respect. Handshakes are common in urban areas, especially among men, but may not always be appropriate, particularly with women. Using appropriate titles, like Ji for respect, when addressing elders or those in authority is customary.

Greeting customs can vary significantly across regions. In North India, Namaste is widely used. In South India, touching the feet of elders as a sign of respect is prevalent. A simple smile and nod may suffice in Northeast India. Newcomers should avoid common mistakes such as using first names prematurely and neglecting cultural sensitivities. Observing local customs and showing respect can help build positive first impressions and relationships.

Bureaucracy in India

Getting things done in India may take longer than you may be used to. Processes often seem inefficient and time-consuming. You may find you receive conflicting information depending on whom you talk to. It is best to exercise patience and persistence, as getting angry won't solve the problem.

Networking, building relationships with locals, and having contacts within the right institutions can expedite processes.

Women in India

As a woman in India, you may find that patriarchal attitudes can be all too common. That said, this is far less apparent in larger, more cosmopolitan cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Still, you may find yourself the target of unwanted attention, particularly when visiting crowded places, local markets or smaller towns. In such situations, it's best to dress more conservatively and not show too much skin. You are also burdened with additional safety considerations, and we advise against travelling alone at night.

Read more about Women in Leadership and Gender Equality in India.

Religion in India

India is the world's most populated country, with over 1.4 billion people, and it's fair to say that its population is as diverse as it is large. This multi-ethnic country is host to many religions. The large majority practise Hinduism, though Islam and Christianity are also prominent. The Indian subcontinent is said to be the place of four major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

This can be an eye-opening experience and an opportunity to learn about various cultures and religious traditions. Major religious festivals make for a colourful and warm experience, and different regions celebrate varying public holidays. While this could make adjusting to your new home overwhelming, being open-minded can help you benefit from the ease of making friends and settling in. We encourage you to be respectful of people and the diversity of religions.

Languages in India

India's official and main languages are Hindi and English, and language barriers are unlikely to be a problem in your work environment or large cities. That said, the further from a large urban area you venture, the more likely you will encounter diverse ethnic groups speaking different languages and dialects, with major differences noticed in the north compared to the south.

When moving to India, it is worth learning at least a few key phrases of an area's predominant language. This can help you when going about your day or inquiring about public transport routes, as well as learning more about the local culture in India.

LGBTQ+ in India

LGBTQ+ rights in India have evolved significantly, especially with the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2018. However, societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals vary widely. Urban areas tend to be more accepting, with vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and events like Pride parades, while rural areas often hold more conservative views, leading to stigma and discrimination.

Newcomers can find support through community organisations and social media platforms that offer resources and connect individuals with local groups and events. Personal stories of LGBTQ+ individuals navigating life in India reveal resilience and courage, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and the importance of community support in overcoming societal barriers.

Read more about LGBTQ+ in India.

Inequality in India

The wealth gap in India is massive – slums sit cheek-by-jowl with wealthy areas. Poverty is a reality in India, and you will be confronted with it daily. The primary causes include limited access to education, high unemployment, inadequate healthcare, social inequality and economic policies. Regional disparities are also significant, with states like Bihar experiencing high poverty rates, while states like Kerala fare much better due to better education and healthcare systems.

Government initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aim to alleviate poverty. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also play a crucial role, focusing on education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. You can volunteer or support these efforts through various NGOs, community service projects or fundraising activities.