• Indian culture is very different from American culture.india image by giantorre from Fotolia.com
  
  Many travelers encounter problems abroad due to cultural differences. Gestures, for instance, vary widely in meaning from one country to another. A harmless gesture in America may be offensive in other places. Before traveling, it is always best to learn as much as possible about what is acceptable and what is offensive in the culture you are visiting. Just like other countries, India has its own set of do's and don't's.
  
  

The Cutis

• The meaning of gestures vary widely from country to country.ok gesture image by Bartlomiej Nowak from Fotolia.com
  
  This gesture involves placing one's thumbnail behind the upper front teeth and then flicking it toward the recipient of the motion. Considered an extremely rude gesture, it is the equivalent of saying "F" you.
  
  

Beckoning

• In India, it is an insult to beckon someone to you with your palm upward as we do in America. Any beckoning should be done with your palm down, fingers together in a scratching motion, to draw a person toward you.
  
  

The Head

• Never touch the head of anyone in India. The head is considered the seat of the soul, and touching it is not acceptable. Do not pat a child on the head, even in an affectionate manner.
  
  

Whistling

• Do not whistle at a woman or wink at her in India. Both are considered rude, and the wink is considered an invitation for sex. Being overly bold with a woman is considered in very poor taste.
  
  

The Feet

• Watch your feet in India. To point at someone with your foot or to show the the bottom of your foot is offensive. In India, the feet are considered unclean, and people do not want to see the bottoms of them. Apologize if you accidentally touch another with your feet or shoes.
  
  

The Left Hand

• The left hand is considered unclean in many countries, including India. Do not accept items or hand anything to anyone with your left hand. Never eat with your left hand. Of course this will be more difficult to do if you are left-handed, but in the interest of cultural assimilation, try to observe this tradition.
  
  

Staring

• As strange as it may seem, staring is not considered rude at all in India the way it is in America and other Western countries. In India, staring is a natural response to curiosity, especially when taking notice of outsiders or anything different.