What is Another Greeting for Hello in India - Greeting Etiquette in India

In a nationwide news article titled "I Understood the Power Of Namaste in Punjab: Aamir Khan" by TNN, Bollywood super producer and actor Aamir Khan shared his reflections while filming his new movie "Dangal" on the potency of one of India's most common greetings. 

From an Islamic background, Aamir described his greeting as "raising my hand (gesturing again) and bowing my head." However, what captured headlines was the heartwarming experience of witnessing villagers lining up outside their homes from five o’clock in the morning to greet him with folded hands and 'Sat Sri Akaal,' which Aamir Khan described as “a wonderful emotion.”

A diverse country with myriad languages and cultures, India boasts a range of traditional greetings. Amidst this diversity, there are a few standard greetings that hold widespread recognition:

• Namaste: This is the most ubiquitous greeting in India, used across the country and understood in most languages. "Namaste" is formed by joining your hands in prayer position at chest level and slightly bowing your head as you say it. It translates to "I bow to the divine in you."
• Salaam: Predominantly used in Muslim communities, "Salaam" is an Arabic word that means "peace." It can be used on its own or as part of the more formal greeting, "As-salamu alaykum," meaning "Peace be upon you." When engaging with Muslims, remember to use your right hand for handshakes.
• Sat Shri Akal: This is a Punjabi greeting used predominantly in the state of Punjab and among Sikhs. It means "God is the ultimate truth."
• Vanakkam: This is a common greeting in the Tamil language, used predominantly in the state of Tamil Nadu and among Tamil-speaking populations. Similar to "Namaste," it involves holding your hands in prayer position as you say it.
• Namaskara/Namaskaram: This is a formal way of saying "Hello" in many South Indian languages like Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam. The physical gesture is the same as for "Namaste".
• Indian women traditionally shake hands with foreign women but not with men, although this practice may vary among educated and contemporary Indian women.
• Western women can feel comfortable shaking hands with Indian women or Western-oriented Indian men, but they may want to avoid this gesture with traditional Indian men.
• English is widely spoken in India, especially in urban areas and among the younger and educated populations. So, "Hello," "Hi, How Are You?" are also commonly used. ​ 

Always consider the cultural context and the person you're speaking to when choosing a greeting. A sincere and respectful approach is usually well received. Aamir Khan's insightful remarks on the significance of Namaste in Punjab shows the deep-rooted cultural resonance of traditional greetings in India. Through his experience while filming "Dangal," Khan sheds light on the profound role such gestures play in echoing the sentiment of respect and acknowledgment across the colourful nation.

Article Published in Etiquipedia.blogspot.com