Discover Kerala, Indian land of dreams

Hinduism plays a huge part in Indian life so be prepared for a cultural shock. Most human relations are governed by a hierarchical system of castes, where each individual has a definite role. The cow is a sacred animal.
Before entering Hindu temples, jains and mosques you must take off your shoes (and any leather items for the jains). The same applies for Sikh temples, where you need to cover your head. Before entering mosques, make sure that visitors are allowed during prayer times and that entry to women is accepted. Make sure, also, that your arms and legs are covered and that you are dressed well. In Kerala, in particular, access to temples is generally reserved for Hindus. Temples are places of prayer entered by Malayalis (inhabitants of India Kerala) following a purifying bath in a river or sacred pool, in the surroundings of the temples and sculptures or statues of a deity should never be touched. On the subject of touching, although it may sound funny, during your day to day activities in India, avoid touching another person with your feet.

You must be aware of certain rules of etiquette to be respected: inform yourself, for example, on the symbolism of flowers in order to avoid any faux pas if you are thinking of giving a bunch of flowers to someone; be aware that a gift received is kept in a corner to be opened at a later time and that during a meal, you must take off your shoes if the people who are inviting you are not wearing them. If you are eating with your fingers, only use your right hand, the left is reserved for personal hygiene.

Lastly, the practice of 'arranged' marriage still exists in India.