Learning how to perform local greetings is one of the first things that a traveler ought to do when visiting a new country. In India, greetings take the form of the word ‘Namaste’.
The word Namaste literally means, ‘I bow to the divine light in you’. This word is widely used to mean ‘hello’, however. It is frequently used in yoga too.
As a greeting, however, Namaste is not simply a word. Rather, it is a word and a gesture together. The gesture consists of placing the palms of the hand together and bowing whilst saying the word.
Respectful greetings are so important, in any culture in the world. Learning the word Namaste, and learning how to bow whilst making this greeting, will help your visit to India to go as smoothly as possible.