Observed Social Customs Observed Social Customs
Lighting Lamp NAMASTE OR NAMASKAR
In many Hindu homes a lamp is lit daily
before the altar of the Lord. In some
houses it is lit at dawn. All auspicious
functions and moments like daily
worship, rituals and festivals and even
many social occasions like
inaugurations commence with the
lightning of lamp. Light symbolizes
knowledge and darkness, ignorance.
GWU School Knowledge removes ignorance, just as
light removes darkness.Also knowledge
of Business is a lasting inner wealth by which all
outer achievements can be
accomplished. Hence we light the lamp
India Trip to bow down to knowledge as the
greate st of all f o rm s of wealth .
Travel Guide
2006/2007
Namaskar or Namaste is the most
popular form of greeting in India. It is a
general salutation that is used to greet
or welcome somebody and also for
bidding farewell. While doing
Namaskar, both the palms are placed
together and raised below the face to
greet a person. It is believed that both
the hands symbolise one mind, or the
self meeting the self. While the right
hand represents higher nature, the left
hand denotes worldly or lower nature.
It has also a spiritual significance of
negating or reducing one's ego in the
presence of another.
CLIMATE - WEATHER
India has hot tropical weather with
variations occurring region to region.
While the coolest months are from
November to mid-March, hottest are from
April to June. From mid-July to September
one can experience Monsoon rains.
Winters in India are pleasant with plenty of
sunny days. Most of the North India
remains dry, dusty, and unpleasant during
the summer months. For a tourist, India
provides ample opportunities to participate
in diverse activities in different parts of the
country. You can explore India in all the
seasons, but you will have to be selective
about the destinations
 Observed Social Customs
MARRIAGE
Time has changed but the lavishness
has always been an integral and
indispensable part of Indian marriages.
In India, marriage is still taken as an
institution where not two people but
two families get united. So, it always
calls for boisterous celebrations full of
music and dance. Within India, every
caste and community has its own way
of performing the rituals of marriage. In
Hindu marriages, while Punjabis
perform the ‘Roka’ ceremony in
weddings, Sindhis perform the
‘Berana’. But most common of all is
the ritual of Hast Milap ceremony
popularly called Paanigrahan Sanskar.
Observed Social Customs
CLOTHING
WOMEN
Indian Dresses: Beauty of Indian
women lies in the clothes she wears.
Very traditional and ethnic yet
contemporary Indian Saris are famous
worldwide. It is worn with a blouse that
covers the upper part of the body. In
rural parts a version of sari, called
ghagara -choli is very much popular.
Choli is like a short blouse that covers
the upper part of the body and ghagara
is like a long skirt.
Observed Social Customs
CLOTHING
WOMEN
In order to have a graceful and
complete look, women folk carry a
duppatta, which is a soft and delicate
material of reasonable length thrown
over the shoulder. Though with slight
variations, Salwar kameez is a dress
that is famous in every part of India.
This attire contains two pieces-kameez,
which is a like a long top covering upper
part of the body and salwar is like
trousers. Like ghagara choli, salwar
kameez is also complemented by
dupatta.
Observed Social Customs
CLOTHING
MEN
For the men, there is no dearth of
variety. >From dhoti kurta to shirt
pants, an Indian man prefers
Everything that fits well and looks
good. But, traditionally you can see
north Indians wearing kurta pajama,
dhoti kurta or sherwani on formal
celebrations whereas south Indian
men prefer lungi with shirt.
Observed Social Customs
MARRIAGE
Muslims also have their own special
way of celebrating the marriage
ceremony, popularly called Nikaah.
During the auspicious occasion, the
groom’s family gives mehar (nuptial
gift) to the bride. Parsis plant a young
mango tree in a pot during the
marriage ceremony. This ceremony is
famous as ‘Madhavsaro’ ceremony.
Every state has its own special way
of celebrating the marriage ceremony.
 Common and Useful Hindi "How much does this cost?" --
Phrases YEH KIT-NE KA HAI
How are you?" -- KYA HAAL
"Goodbye." -- ACH-HA, CHALTA
HAI, or KAISE HO/HAIN, or KYA
HOON
CHAL RAHA HAI,
"Please enter." -- PADHARIYE
"Where's the phone?" -- PHONE
"See you again." --PHIR MI-LEN-
KA-HAAN HAI?
GAE
what time is it = KYA SA-MAY HAI
"Thank you." -- DHAN-YA-VAD or
"Where are you?" -- KAHAN HAIN
SHUK-RIYA
AAP or KIDHAR HO TUM or
"It is nice to meet you." -- AAP SE
KAHAN HO TUM/.
MIL KE KHU-SHI HUI, or AAP SE
"Can I sit here?" (If you are male,
MIL KE ACH-CHA LAGA –
then say) --KYA MEIN YA-HAN
"Please take me to my hotel." --
BAYTE SAK-TA HOON
KRIP-YA MUJ-HE MAY-RAY HO-
"Can I sit here?" (If you are
TEL LE CHA-LI-YE
female, then say) --KYA MEIN YA-
"here is the bathroom?" – SHAU-
HAN BAYTE SAK-TI HOON
CHALAY KID-HAR HAI?
.

“Hello.”- NA-MA-SKAAR or NA-

MA-STAY
“Please.”-KRIP-YA
“Water.” – PAA-NEE
“Can I please have some water?”-
KRIP-YA MU-JHE PAA-NEE DI-
JIYE
“Can you help me?”- KYA
AAP MAY-RI MADAD KAR SAKTE
HAIN?
“Help!” – BA-CHA-O (literally
means “save me”, but that’s what
people shout out when in trouble)
“Call police.” – POLICE KO BU-
LA-AIYE.
 Hotel & Embassy Info
NEW DELHI, India
Le Méridien New Delhi
Windsor Place New Delhi
Phone: (91)(11) 23710101
U.S. Embassy Shantipath,
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
Tel: +91-11-2419-8000
Fax: +91-11-2419-0017
Email: ndcentral@state.gov
Telephone/Dialing
Instructions FROM
NEW DELHI, India
(011) is the international prefix
used to dial somewhere outside
of U.S.A (91) is the international
code used to dial to India (11) is
the local area or city code used
to dial to Delhi; please omit it if
calling from within Delhi and If
calling from within India but
outside of Delhi, one must dial
“0” before (22)
Hotel & Embassy Info
BANGALORE, India
Le Méridien Bangalore
28 Sankey Road · PB No 174
· Bangalore, Karnataka 560
052 Phone: (91)(80) 2226
2233
Consulate Information
American Corner Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan Race Course
Road Bangalore 560 001
Phone: 080 - 2226 5746/7303
Fax: 080 - 2228 7373
Telephone/Dialing
Instructions FROM
BANGALORE, India
(011) is the international prefix
used to dial somewhere outside
of U.S.A (91) is the international
code used to dial to India (80) is
the local area or city code used
to dial to Bangalore; please omit
it if calling from within Bangalore
and If calling from within India
but outside of Mumbai, one
must dial “0” before (22)
Hotel & Embassy Info
MUMBAI, India
Taj Lands End Band Stand,
Bandra (West), Mumbai 400 050,
Tel No. : (91-22) 6668 1234 Fax :
((91-22) 6699 4488
Email:landsend.mumbai@tajhote
ls.com
Unit Consulate Information
American Citizen Services Gene
ral Mumbai 78, Bhulabhai Desai
Rd.Mumbai, Maharashtra 400-026
Phone: (91-22) 2363 3611,4306/41
34/4237 mmbajacs@state.gov
Telephone/Dialing
Instructions FROM
BANGALORE, India
(011) is the international prefix
used to dial somewhere outside
of U.S.A (91) is the international
code used to dial to India (22) is
the local area or city code used
to dial to Mumbai; please omit it
if calling from within Mumbai
and If calling from within India
but outside of Mumbai, one
must dial “0” before (22)
 Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in New Delhi,
India Gate, Delhi: the 42 metre
high, free standing arch, popularly
known as India Gate, was designed
by Luytens and built in 19111. It
was originally called All India War
Memorial in memory of the 90,000
Soldiers of the Indian Army who
died in World War I. The names of
the soldiers are inscribed all along
the walls of the arch. In1971, an
eternal flame was lit here to honour
the Amar Jawan (immortal
soldiers).
C o n n a u g h t P l a c e
One of Delhi's most popular shopping
centres built as early as 1931 there is
nothing that one cannot buy here and
it also has several eating houses. The
state emporia buildings are also
located in this area so are the head
offices of major banks, airlines and
other such things of importance to the
t ou rist . The comp le x popu la rly
referred to as CP is an important
meeting points for all sections of
people and is something which no
tourist should miss if for nothing else
then for its architecture and the
humdrum of everyday life.
Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in New Delhi
Purana Qila (Old Fort), Delhi
the ruins of the fort are located
on a small hill which once stood
on the banks of the river Yamuna.
Legend has it that the fort marked the
site of Indraprastha, the magnificent
capital of the pandavas, though the
construction was carried out by Sher
Shah Suri sometime between 1538 to
1545 AD. The structure houses a
mosque which has a double storeyed
octagonal tower. At the foot of the hill
is a lake where the Delhi Tourism has
arrangements for boating.
Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in New Delhi
Dilli Haat
Food and Crafts Bazaar, opposite
INA Market, is a one-stop shopping
place for tourists, which not only
offers various arts and handicrafts of
India, but also a taste of the ethnic
cuisine. Visitors can also witness the
different performing arts of the
country.
Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in New Delhi
Jantar Mantar, Delhi :
Within Connaught Place is the
Jantar Mantar Observatory built
by the Rajput King of Jaipur
Sawai Jai Singh in 1724. It was
believed to have been built with
masonry instruments for
observing the movements of the
s t a r s a n d p l a n e t s
C h a n d n i C h o w k
It was the eyes and ears of the
Mughal's commercial instincts and is
today one of the country's best known
wholesale markets f or textiles,
electronic goods and watches. The
entire area was designed by
Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's
favourite daughter and was then
inhabited by the well-to-do families of
that time. There is however a word of
caution and that is that there are
several elements who are believed to
be selling duplicate goods and the
tourist needs to be careful about this.
 Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in Bangalore,
L a l B a g h G a r d e n s
Lal Bagh is a must see while
visiting Bangalore. The name Lal
Bagh has been given to it for the
wonderfully bloomed red roses that
remain blooming all through the year
in this garden. The garden has also
a collection of famous Botanical
species. Though the flow of visitors
to the park is a regular affair, the
garden gets a festive look during the
Republic Day and on the days of
flower shows that are held here
Sightseeing Ideas and Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in Bangalore Options in Bangalore
T i p u ' s P a l a c e
V i d h a n S o u d h a
The palace and the fort of Tipu
Vidhan Soudha, built in the year
Sultan are the must see spot in
1954 is one of the major centres of
Bangalore. The architecture, the
att racti on i n Bangal or e . T h e
layout and the overall look of the
architecture of the building is
palace gives you the idea of the
based on the neo Dravidian style
ethnic Mughal lifestyle. The fort
a n d i t p r es ent l y h o u s e s t he
and its remains present the history
Legislative Assembly of the state
of the era in which it was built. The
of Karnataka. The building also
construction of the Tipu palace
houses a part of the Karnataka
was started by Haider Ali and
s e c r e t a r i a t .
completed by Tipu Sultan himself.
 Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in Mumbai,
Fashion Street refers to a cluster of
about 130 to 140 clothing shops on MG
Road in South Mumbai, India. Ready
made garments are one of Mumbai's
chief exports, so the same clothes sold
at leading US & European retail stores
can be purchased on Fashion Street for
a f ra ct ion o f t heir p rice ab road .
Furthermore, many proprietors haggle
over bargain prices. There are also
several shoe and jewelry shops. It is a
very popular area with college students
and teenagers, and, since Fashion
Street is little known to those outside of
Mumbai, tourists only rarely venture
there. Bollywood celebrities are also
known to patronize Fashion Street.
Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in Mumbai
The Bombay Stock Exchange LTD: -
the oldest stock exchange in Asia. It is
located at Dalal Street, Mumbai.
Bombay Stock Exchange was
established in 1875. There are around
3,500 Indian companies listed with the
stock exchange. As of October 2006,
the market capitalization of the BSE
was about Rs. 33.4 trillion (US $ 730
billion). The BSE SENSEX (SENSitive
indEX), also called the BSE 30, is a
widely used market index in India and
Asia. It is among the 5 biggest stock
exchanges in the world in terms of
transactions volume.
Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in Mumbai
Chowpatty Beach & Juhu Beach
Chowpatty beach is situated on Marine
Drive. This beach is well-known for it's
stalls selling "Bhel-Puri and Pani -Puri
chat" a favourite fast food among the
Mumbaites and visitors to the city.
Juhu Beach is the
most popular beach in Mumbai which
is 30 kms away from the heart of
Mumbai. It is a long stretch of sandy
beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle.
This is a very popular beach for picnic.
Sightseeing Ideas and
Options in Mumbai
The Universit y of Mumbai
(formerly University of Bombay)
is a university situated in
Maharashtra state of India. It has
been given a five-star ranking by
NAAC. The name of the University
was changed from University of
Bombay to University of Mumbai
according to a Government
Gazette dated 4 September 1996.
It is abbreviated as either (UoM)
for University of Mumbai or as
( MU) for Mumbai Uni versit y.
Kamala Nehru Park & Hanging
Gardens
The giant Old woman's shoe in the
Kamala Nehru Park is very popular
with children to play in. One gets a
panoramic view of parts of the
city from these parks situated at the
height of Malabar Hill. At night, the
view of street lights of Marine Drive
resemble a dazzling bejeweled
"Queen's Necklace". At sunset, the
waterfall and fountains in the park
are lit with colorful lights which are
worth seeing. The Hanging Gardens
surrounded by beautiful flower beds
and lush green lawns are very
popular as picnic spots.
 Hospital Information
Mumbai
Mumbai Asian Heart Institute
G/N Block
Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East
Mumbai 400051
Tel: 5698-6666 Fax: 5698-6506
Email: info@ahirc.com
Website: www.ahirc.com
Mumbai Blue Cross Medicheck
Centre
506 Doctor Hs.
5th fl., Pedder Road
Opp. Jaslok Hospital
Mumbai 400 026 Tel: 23867079
Tele-fax: 23872776
Hospital Information
Mumbai
Mumbai Bombay Hospital
and Medical Research Center
12 New Marine Lines
Mumbai 400 020
Tel: 2206-7676 Fax: 2208-0871
website: www.Bombayhospital.com
Mumbai Clinical Diagnostic Center
A-2 Ben Nevis
ground floor
Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai 400 036
Tel: 23684764/65,23618839
fax: 23671019 Email:
helpdesk1@cdcuniverse.com
Hospital Information Hospital Information
Mumbai New Delhi
All India Institute of Medical
Mumbai Dalvi Hospital
Sciences, (AIIMS)
38 Nyayamurti
Ansari Nagar, tel.: 6864851.
Sitaram Patkar
Apollo Hospital,Sarita Vihar
Marg Gamdevi
Mathura Rd,Tel.: 6925858/01
Mumbai 400007 Tel: 56022848
Escorts Heart Institute & Research
Mumbai Dalvi Hospital Pharmacy
Centre, Okhla Rd, tel.: 6844820,
Pvt. Ltd.
6833641.
(Day and Night)
Holy Family Hospital,
38 Nyayamurti
Okhla Tel.: 6845900-09.
Sitaram Patkar
Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital,
Marg Gamdevi
Wellingdon Crescent.
Mumbai 400 007
Tel.:3365933, 3365525.
Tel: 5602 2848 Tel: 23692454
Safdarjung Gen. Hospital
AIIMS Crossing, Tel.: 665060,
.
Hospital Information Hospital Information
Mumbai New Delhi
Mumbai Lilavati Hospital and
Mumbai Asian Heart Institute
Research Centre
G/N Block Bandra Kurla Complex
A-791 Bandra Reclamation
Bandra East Mumbai 400051
Bandra (W), Mumbai 400 050
Tel: 5698-6666 Fax: 5698-6506
Tel: 26438281, 26455891
Email: info@ahirc.com
fax: 26407655 Email:
Website: www.ahirc.com
lilavati@bom3.vsnl.net.in
Mumbai Blue Cross Medicheck
masinahospital@rediffmail.com
Centre 506 Doctor Hs.
Mumbai Metropolis Health Services
5th fl., Pedder Road Opp. Jaslok
250 D Udhyog Bhavan
Hospital Mumbai 400 026 Tel:
Hind Cycle Marg Behind Glaxo, Worli
23867079 Tele-fax: 23872776
Mumbai 400025
Tel: 56622040 (11 lines)
 Hospital Information Social & Cultural Social & Cultural
Bangalore FOOD FOOD
Sweets are very popular all over India Most Indian cuisine are related by the
Bangalore Hospital
and are usually cooked in a lot of fat. similar usage of spices and the use of
202, RV Road26562753/ 26565494/
‘Jalebis’, luscious pretzel shaped loops a greater variety of vegetables than
26563477
fried to a golden crisp and soaked in many other cuisine. Religious and
Bangalore Institute of Oncology
saffron syrup can be had from any street caste restrictions, weather, geography
Cancer Detection Centre, 44-45/2ND
ve ndo r in No rth Ind ia. ‘Khee r ’ o r and the impact of foreigners have
CRS RM Roy extension
‘payasam’ are equivalents of the rice affected the eating habits of Indians.
2225644/2267/2359/5698/2267/2359
pudding and ‘Kulfi’ is an Indian ice cream For example, Brahmins (one of the
Bangalore Kidney Foundation
made in conical moulds and frozen. Tea highest orders of caste) are strict
No. 18762 Block Padmanabha
is drunk as a beverage in India. Tea from vegetarians usually, but in the coastal
Nagar26690084
the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong are states of West Bengal and Kerala, they
Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain Heart
boiled in milk and water and served with consume a lot of fish.
Centre General Miller Road, V
a liberal dose of sugar. Filtered coffee is
Nagar2267333
a favorite among South Indians and is a
very sweet, milky version of coffee.
.

Hospital Information Social & Cultural

Bangalore FOOD
Observed Social Customs
CDR Medical Centre 11th Main Road MARRIAGE Eating from a ‘thali’ (a metal plate or
Jayanagar 6655055 banana leaf) is quite common in most
Muslims also have their own special
Church of South India Hospital parts of India. Both the North Indian
way of celebrating the marriage
2, Hazarat Kambal Posh and South Indian thali contain small
ceremony, popularly called Nikaah.
Road2861103, 2861104 City bowls arranged inside the rim of the
During the auspicious occasion, the
Corporation Hospital plate(or leaf), each filled with a
groom’s family gives mehar (nuptial
5 Kempegowda CLE 923300977 different sort of spiced vegetarian food,
gift) to the bride. Parsis plant a young
Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain Hospital curd and sweet. At the center of the
mango tree in a pot during the
Millers Road, V Nagar2207641-49, thali you would find a heap of rice,
marriage ceremony. This ceremony is
2260944, 2261153 some puris(wheat bread rolled into
famous as ‘Madhavsaro’ ceremony.
Cauvery Medical Center small circular shapes and deep-fried in
Every state has its own special way of
3-B, HBS Apartments No.1, Edward hot oil) or chapathis(wheat bread rolled
celebrating the marriage ceremony.
Road out into large circular shapes and
sh a llo w-f ried o ve r a ho t ‘ta va ) .
 DOING BUSINESS
Regionalism, religion, language and
caste are all factors that need to be
taken into account when doing
b u s i n e s s i n I n d i a . B e h a v i o r,
etiquette, and approach are all
modified depending on whom you are
addressing and the context in which
they are being addressed.
HIERARCHY
Hierarchy plays the most important
role of all cultural influences that most
influence Indian business culture.
With its roots in Hinduism and the
caste system, Indian society operates
within a framework of strict hierarchy
that defines people’s roles, status,
a n d s o c i a l o r d e r .
LANGUAGE
Central government only recognizes
Hindi as the official language. When
doing business in India, English is the
language of international commerce.
B U I L D I N G R E L AT I O N S H I P S
Indians only deal favorably with those
they know and trust – even at the
expense of lucrative deals. A good
working relationship must be founded
upon demonstrating strong business
acumen and relating to your partner.
DOING BUSINESS
MEETING AND GREETING
Meeting etiquette requires a
handshake. Indians themselves will
use the namaste. Using the namaste is
a sign of your understanding of the
I n d i a n e t i q u e t t e .
When addressing an Indian whom you
know personally, always use the
appropriate formal title, whether
Professor, Doctor, or Mrs. or if you do
not know their names use Sir or
Madam. Business cards should be
exchanged at the first meeting. Be
sure to receive and give with your right
hand. Make sure the card you are
given is put away respectfully and not
.
simply pushed in your trouser pocket.
DOING BUSINESS
BODY LANGUAGE
Indians generally allow an arm’s length
space between themselves and others
in business situations. Do not stand
too close, they value personal space.
Indian men may engage in friendly
back patting merely as a sign of a
friend ship. When an an Indian smiles
and jerks his/her head backward or
moves his head in a figure 8, this
u s u a l l y m e a n s ‘ y e s ’ .
DOING BUSINESS
BODY LANGUAGE
The Western
side-to-side hand wave for hello is
frequently interpreted as no or go
away. Only use your right hand to
touch someone, pass money or pick
up merchandise. The left hand is
c o n s i d e r e d u n c l e a n .
Feet are considered unclean. Pointing
footwear at people is considered an
insult.
 DOING BUSINESS
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Arrive 15-30 minutes later than the
stated time for a dinner party.
At a social gathering, a garland of
flowers is often placed around a
guest’s neck. Remove it after a few
minutes and carry it in your hand to
show humility. Allow hosts to serve
you. Never refuse food, but do not
feel obligated to empty your plate.
If hosts eat with hands, assure them
you enjoy doing the same. If utensils
are not used, use your right hand’s
first three fingers and thumb.
DOING BUSINESS
ME E TI NGS AND NE GOTI ATI ONS
Meetings should be arranged well in
advance. This should be done in writing
and confirmed by phone.
Punctuality is expected, although being
10 minutes late will not have disastrous
consequences. Flexibility is paramount.
When entering a meeting room, you
must always approach and greet the
most senior figure first. Meetings should
always commence with some
conversation. This is the part of the
getting to know you process. Avoid
talking about personal matters, and if
new to India, do not comment on matters
s u ch a s t h e p o ve r t y o r b e g ga rs .
Indians do not base . their business
decisions solely on statistics, or empirical
data. They use intuition and faith to
guide them. Always exercise patience,
show good character and never exhibit
f r u s t r a t i o n o r a n g e r .
DOING BUSINESS
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
AND SOCIAL TIPS
• Grasping one’s own ears
expresses sincerity.
• Backslapping is not a sign of
affection.
• American men should not touch
women in public, nor talk to a lone
woman in public.
• Whistling is considered impolite.
• Bargain for goods and services.
• The left hand is considered
unclean. Use the right hand for
eating with the fingers or accepting
things.