Thursday, August 20, 2009

Social and Gifting Etiquette - India

A melting pot of cultures and religions, business in India is an amalgamation of influences from both within the sub continent as well as from the West and the Middle East. Indian business culture tends to be polite and bordering on formal.
  • Casual clothes are acceptable to social gatherings. However, if a foreigner makes an effort to wear traditional India garb, it would be well received and seen as a sign of friendship.
  • If you are visiting the home of an Indian business associate during a festival, a box of sweets would be an appropriate gift.
  • Be cautious in giving a leather item as a gift, as it has religious connotations. So does alcohol.
  • Flowers, a box of chocolates, a curio from a foreign country or a piece of art would be well received. A bouquet of roses or orchids would be a safe choice. Do be aware that frangipanis are associated with funerals.
  • Don't wrap gifts in black or white, which are considered unlucky colors. Instead, use green, red, and yellow, since they are thought to be lucky colors.
  • In the Indian sub continent, gifts are not usually opened in the presence of the giver. If you receive a wrapped gift, set it aside until the giver leaves or insists that you open the gift.

Source: Internet

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