By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
This site seeks to demystify Indian customs and culture for anyone who wants to learn more. Hopefully, you find the content interesting, educational and find answers to questions you had, but never asked.
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What's a Desi?
The term "desi" is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word "Desi" is derived from the Sanskrit word "desh," which means "country" or "region" or "homeland". ('Sanskrit' word 'Desh'? What is Sanskrit?)
The top question most folks have - do you eat curry?
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
Martial Arts in India?
Is yoga the only known physical form of exercise or practice that existed in India?
Yoga is not the only physical form of exercise or practice that existed in India. India has a long history of physical practices and exercises that were used to stay in shape and maintain physical fitness.
These physical practices were not limited to the military and were often practiced by ordinary people as well. They were seen as important for maintaining physical health and fitness, as well as for spiritual and mental well-being.
There is an ancient history of martial arts and training with and without weapons, and when weapons were used there were so many and these were not just referred to as a form of martial art, but as a science in the ancient scriptures.
Let us look at just some of the most well known ones:
Silambam, Thang Ta, Gatka, Mardani Khel and Kalaripayattu
Varma Kalai
Varma Kalai is a traditional Indian martial art that is primarily focused on vital points of the human body, known as "varma points".
The word "varma" means "hidden" or "secret" in Tamil, and the art is believed to have originated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where it is still practiced today.
According to legend, Varma Kalai was developed thousands of years ago by the sage Agastya, who is also credited with many other contributions to Tamil culture and tradition, but the true origins of the art are not well documented.
Varma Kalai is known for its emphasis on targeting specific varma points on the body, which are believed to be centers of energy and life force.
By striking or manipulating these points, practitioners of Varma Kalai can theoretically control their opponent's movements, knock them unconscious, or even kill them.
In addition to its martial applications, Varma Kalai also includes a range of healing techniques, including massage, herbal medicine, and yoga.
Many practitioners of the art believe that the manipulation of varma points can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.
While Varma Kalai is primarily associated with Tamil Nadu, similar practices can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia.
For example, in Thailand, the martial art of Muay Boran includes techniques for striking vital points on the body, and in China, the art of Dim Mak focuses on attacking pressure points to disable or incapacitate an opponent.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art form that originated in the Indian state of Kerala.
It is considered one of the oldest martial arts in the world, with a history that can be traced back over 3,000 years.
The name "Kalaripayattu" is derived from the Malayalam words "kalari" (which means "training hall") and "payattu" (which means "exercise" or "practice").
According to legend, Kalaripayattu was created by the sage Parashurama, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Parashurama is said to have created the art as a means of teaching self-defense to the scholars, yogis and sanyasis (hindu monks), who usually do not carry weapons.
Kalaripayattu is known for its fluid, acrobatic movements, which are designed to improve agility, flexibility, and balance. The art incorporates a wide range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, grappling, and weapons training. Some of the weapons used in Kalaripayattu include the sword, shield, spear, and bow and arrow.
Here is a cool sword fight using this technique in a Jackie Chan movie - The Myth.
In addition to its martial applications, Kalaripayattu also includes a range of healing techniques, such as massage and herbal medicine. The art emphasizes the importance of developing a strong mind-body connection, and practitioners are encouraged to focus on breathing, meditation, and mental discipline.
Similar martial arts can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia, such as Silambam in Tamil Nadu and Muay Thai in Thailand. However, Kalaripayattu is considered unique for its combination of physical and spiritual training, as well as its focus on the principles of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.
Kalaripayattu, in particular, has had a significant influence on the development of other martial arts around the world, including karate, kung fu, and capoeira. The movements and techniques of Kalaripayattu have been incorporated into these martial arts, and many practitioners of these arts recognize the influence of Kalaripayattu on their practices.
The origins of Kalaripayattu can be traced back to ancient India, where it was primarily used as a form of combat training for soldiers. Over time, it evolved into a more holistic practice that included physical, mental, and spiritual training. The transfer of Kalaripayattu to other martial arts around the world is believed to have been influenced by the travels of Indian monks and traders, who spread the practice to other countries.
Gatka
Gatka is a traditional martial art form that originated in the Punjab region of India, which includes parts of present-day India and Pakistan. The art is primarily associated with the Sikh community, and it is considered an important part of Sikh culture and heritage.
Gatka is a weapon-based martial art, with a focus on swordsmanship and stick fighting. The art incorporates a wide range of weapons, including swords, spears, shields, and daggers, as well as empty-hand techniques.
The origins of Gatka can be traced back to the time of the Sikh gurus, who encouraged the practice of martial arts among their followers. According to legend, the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, was a skilled warrior who developed many of the techniques used in Gatka. The art was also used by the Sikhs as a means of defending themselves against the Mughal Empire, which ruled over much of India at the time.
Today, Gatka is primarily practiced as a cultural and spiritual tradition, rather than as a means of self-defense. It is often performed at Sikh festivals and other cultural events, and it is considered an important part of Sikh identity.
Similar martial arts can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia, such as Kalaripayattu in Kerala and Silambam in Tamil Nadu. However, Gatka is considered unique for its emphasis on the values of the Sikh faith, such as humility, courage, and self-discipline, and for its incorporation of traditional Punjabi music and dance into the practice.
Silambam
Silambam is a traditional Indian martial art form that originated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The art is primarily focused on the use of a long bamboo staff, called a silambam, but it also incorporates a range of empty-hand techniques and other weapons.
The history of Silambam can be traced back over 2,000 years, and it is believed to have been developed by the Tamil people as a means of self-defense and hunting.
The art was also used by the Tamil kings as a means of training their soldiers, and it was an important part of Tamil culture and tradition.
Silambam is known for its fluid, flowing movements, which are designed to improve balance, coordination, and agility. The art incorporates a wide range of techniques, including strikes, blocks, throws, and joint locks, and it places a strong emphasis on footwork and timing.
In addition to its martial applications, Silambam also includes a range of healing techniques, such as massage and herbal medicine. The art emphasizes the importance of developing a strong mind-body connection, and practitioners are encouraged to focus on breathing, meditation, and mental discipline.
Similar martial arts can be found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia, such as Kalaripayattu in Kerala and Arnis in the Philippines. However, Silambam is considered unique for its emphasis on the use of the staff as a primary weapon, as well as its incorporation of traditional Tamil music and dance into the practice.
Malla Yuddha
Malla-yuddha, also known as Mallakamba, is a traditional form of Indian wrestling that originated in Karnataka, a state in southern India. It is a centuries-old martial art that has been practiced in India for generations, and it remains popular in some parts of the country today.
Malla-yuddha involves the use of a wooden pole or rope, which the wrestler uses to perform various acrobatic moves and holds. The goal of the sport is to pin down one's opponent, using a combination of strength, technique, and strategy. The sport can be performed individually or in teams, and competitions are typically held in arenas or open spaces.
Historically, Malla-yuddha was a popular form of combat training among warriors and soldiers in ancient India. It was considered an important skill for defending oneself and one's community, and it was often incorporated into military training programs. Over time, Malla-yuddha became more of a recreational sport, and it is now primarily practiced for entertainment and cultural reasons.
There are similar forms of wrestling and martial arts that exist in other parts of the world, such as Sumo wrestling in Japan, Pehlwani in Pakistan, and Shuai Jiao in China. While the techniques and rules may differ, these practices all share a common focus on grappling, throwing, and pinning down one's opponent, making them similar in some ways to Malla-yuddha.
Mardani Khel
The martial art from Maharashtra that was popularized by the Maratha Empire is called "Mardani Khel".
It is a traditional Indian martial art form that originated in the province of Sindh (now part of Pakistan) and was later adopted and developed by the Maratha warriors.
Mardani Khel emphasizes physical fitness, agility, and strength training, as well as weapon-based combat. It is said to be based on the movements and behavior of various animals, such as the lion, tiger, snake, and peacock, and incorporates a variety of weapons including swords, shields, daggers, and spears.
The Maratha Empire, which ruled over large parts of present-day India in the 17th and 18th centuries, was known for its military prowess and use of Mardani Khel in battle. The Maratha warrior-king Shivaji is said to have been a skilled practitioner of the martial art, and he used it to great effect in his battles against the Mughal Empire.
Today, efforts are being made to revive and promote Mardani Khel as a cultural and martial heritage of Maharashtra. While it is not as well-known or widely practiced as some other Indian martial arts, Mardani Khel remains an important part of the martial history and traditions of Maharashtra and the Maratha people.
Thang Ta
Thang Ta, also known as Huyen lallong, is a martial art form that originated in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. It is a combination of two different martial art forms - Thang Ta (sword and spear) and Sarit Sarak (hand to hand combat).
Thang Ta involves the use of swords and spears, and Sarit Sarak is focused on unarmed combat. Together, they form a comprehensive system of self-defense that emphasizes fluidity, grace, and speed.
The history of Thang Ta dates back to the ancient times when the people of Manipur used these techniques to defend themselves against neighboring tribes and other threats. It was also used by Manipuri kings and warriors during battles and conflicts.
Today, Thang Ta is primarily practiced as a form of cultural preservation and is performed during festivals and other celebrations in Manipur. It has also gained popularity as a form of physical exercise and self-defense in other parts of India and around the world.
While Thang Ta is a unique martial art form, there are some similarities with other martial arts in Southeast Asia, such as Silat from Indonesia, Kali from the Philippines, and Muay Boran from Thailand. These martial arts share some similar techniques and philosophies, including an emphasis on fluid movement, weapon-based combat, and close-range fighting.
Other Martial arts
Other traditional martial arts & practices in the Indian subcontinent that have either been lost or are not widely practiced anymore.
Huyen langlon
Huyen langlon is a traditional martial art from Assam that shares many similarities with Thang Ta. It combines unarmed combat with the use of weapons, including swords, spears, and sticks.
Mukna
Mukna is a traditional form of wrestling from Assam that incorporates elements of striking and grappling. It is believed to have originated over 500 years ago and was traditionally practiced by men from the Meitei community.
Buroi chikhong
Buroi chikhong is a traditional stick fighting style from Assam that involves the use of a long bamboo stick. It is primarily practiced by the Karbi and Dimasa communities and is often performed during festivals and other celebrations.
Lathi khela
Lathi khela, which is also practiced in other parts of the Indian subcontinent, is a traditional martial art that involves the use of a long bamboo stick.
Ghatta kala
Ghatta kala was a traditional martial art from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh that was practiced primarily by the Jat community. It involved the use of a short stick and a small shield and incorporated a range of techniques, including striking, blocking, and joint locks.
Marma Adi
Marma Adi is a martial art from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu that incorporates elements of Kalaripayattu and Varma Kalai. It focuses on the use of pressure points and joint locks and emphasizes the importance of meditation and internal energy.
Adimurai
Adimurai is a traditional martial art form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is believed to be used since over 2,000 years.
Adimurai is a combination of various techniques such as hand-to-hand combat, grappling, weapons training, and other self-defense techniques. Adimurai is similar in some ways to other Indian martial arts such as Kalaripayattu and Silambam, but it also has unique features that distinguish it from these other styles. Adimurai was traditionally practiced by the warrior class in Tamil Nadu, and was used to defend against invading armies and other threats.
Cheruvadi
Cheruvadi is a martial art from the southern Indian state of Kerala that is similar to Kalaripayattu but places more emphasis on weapon-based combat.
Nati
Nati is a martial art from the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh that incorporates elements of Kalaripayattu and is primarily focused on unarmed combat and self-defense.
Kusti
Kusti, also known as Indian wrestling, is a traditional form of wrestling that is popular in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It involves grappling and submission holds, and is typically performed on a dirt surface.
These traditional martial arts practices continue to be an important part of India's cultural heritage and history. While they may not be as well-known as some of the more popular martial arts practices from other parts of India and the region, they did exist - and sadly not all of them are practiced anymore.
The Indian cultural secret to Great Customer Service
Customer service, and how learning about Indian culture can make it the best ever!
First let us look at customer service:
What is customer service?
Customer service refers to the support and assistance provided by a business or organization to its customers before, during, and after a purchase. It involves ensuring that customers are satisfied with their experience and helping them resolve any issues or concerns they may have.
In general, good customer service involves being responsive, helpful, and empathetic towards customers, understanding their needs and concerns, and providing effective solutions to any issues that may arise.
How does customer service look like?
Customer service can look different in various scenarios and contexts, as it depends on the type of business or organization, the industry, and the customer base.
For instance, customer service in a retail store may involve greeting customers, providing product recommendations, processing transactions, and addressing any complaints or returns.
On the other hand, customer service in a call center may involve answering questions, resolving technical issues, and providing information about products or services.
What are some examples of it, in action?
Examples of customer service include:
A customer calling a company's customer service hotline to report a problem with their product. The representative listens to the customer's complaint, offers a solution, and follows up with the customer to ensure their issue has been resolved.
A customer visiting a restaurant and being greeted by a friendly and attentive server who takes their order, checks on their satisfaction during the meal, and offers dessert or additional beverages.
A customer shopping online and encountering an issue with their order. They reach out to the company's customer service via email or chat, and the representative responds promptly, offering a solution and ensuring the customer receives their order as soon as possible.
What does Indian culture have anything to do with customer service?
Technically, it does not. But functionally it has everything to do with it.
We saw how it looks like in the examples and by a definition mentioned above.
Let us forget those for a minute and let us take a look at some aspects of a custom from the Indian culture.
It is quite important to understand the context of what we are referring to later on.
There are a lot of customs and traditions in a culture.
Particularly, over time some traditional protocols are established and you can see this when you interact with people from diverse cultures.
How people greet each other and their interactions in various contexts show the unique nature of that region's cultural traditions.
How do Indians greet someone?
When most Indians meet someone - the traditional way is to bring both palms together at chest height, a slight bow of the head towards the person/s being greeted and saying Namaste or Namaskar.
Learn more about greeting someone in India
Showing respect to everyone is paramount in everyday interactions, especially to people who may be or perceived to be older than oneself.
Even while referring to someone a respectful word is attached to the persons name indicating respect. It's quite common for younger folks referring to someone older as Uncle and Aunty (in the regional language - do note there are many ways for these two relationships) instead of using their given names even if they are not related to them - as a sign of respect.
When someone is seen as closer to their age - they call them the word for Brother or Older brother or sister as the case maybe.
Why do most Indians refer to elders as Uncle or Aunty even if they are not related?
In India and in the surrounding region, there are specific words for relationships. To put it in context in a western or English words used - let us look at what we call siblings, then cousins and older relatives.
The words for brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunts vary across different languages in India. In the modern day, Uncle and Aunty are commonly used in place of these below.
Here are some examples:
Hindi:
- Brother: Bhai (भाई)
- Sister: Behan (बहन)
- Uncle (paternal): Chacha (चाचा)
- Uncle (maternal): Mama (मामा)
- Aunt (paternal): Chachi (चाची)
- Aunt (maternal): Mami (मामी)
Bengali:
- Brother: Bhai (ভাই)
- Sister: Bon (বোন)
- Uncle (paternal): Kak (কাক)
- Uncle (maternal): Jethu (জেঠু)
- Aunt (paternal): Pishi (পিসি)
- Aunt (maternal): Mashi (মাসি)
Telugu:
- Brother: Anna (అన్న)
- Sister: Akka (అక్క)
- Uncle (paternal): Pedananna (పెదనన్న)
- Uncle (maternal): Mamayya (మామయ్య)
- Aunt (paternal): Peddamma (పెద్దమ్మ)
- Aunt (maternal): Pinni
Marathi:
- Brother: Bhau (भाऊ)
- Sister: Bahin (बहिण)
- Uncle (paternal): Kaka (काका)
- Uncle (maternal): Mama (मामा)
- Aunt (paternal): Aai (आई)
- Aunt (maternal): Maushi (माऊशी)
In many Indian languages, the words for relatives are specific to the gender and age of the person being referred to, as well as their relationship to the speaker. The use of these specific terms shows respect and acknowledges the complexity of family relationships.
These words for specific relations are sometimes used to refer to total strangers as a sign of respect.
How are guests treated in an Indian home?
Guests are treated with a great deal of respect and hospitality in Indian homes.
Here are some cultural and traditional customs associated with how guests are treated in Indian homes:
- Welcoming the Guest: As soon as the guest arrives, they are welcomed with a warm greeting, often with a garland of flowers or a tilak (a mark made with vermilion powder on the forehead) and offered a seat. The host or hostess may also offer the guest a glass of water or a hot beverage like tea or coffee.
- Serving Food: In Indian culture, offering food to the guest is considered a way of showing respect and hospitality. Guests are often served a variety of dishes, including snacks, main course, and desserts. It is also common to serve the guest the best food the family has to offer.
- Accommodation: If the guest is staying overnight, the host provides them with comfortable accommodation. They may be given a private room or a bed in a common area.
- Departure: When it is time for the guest to leave, the host or hostess may offer them a parting gift as a token of appreciation for their visit. They may also accompany the guest to the door or the gate and say goodbye.
Almost anywhere in India - regardless of whether the host is well off or not, it's common for travelers and visitors to be offered a place to clean up or to bathe, clean clothes, a hot meal at a minimum, and a place to rest. The host family will offer the best of everything they have.
These customs are deeply ingrained in Indian culture and are seen as a way of showing respect, love, and hospitality to guests.
Athidi Devo Bhava - The guest is God!
Indian cultural traditions
It is believed that when a guest comes to one's home, they are a representative of God and should be treated as such.
What does 'Athithi Devo Bhava' mean?
"Athithi Devo Bhava" is a Sanskrit phrase that means "Guest is equivalent to God."
This phrase is often quoted in Indian culture to emphasize the importance of treating guests with the utmost respect and hospitality.
It is believed that when a guest comes to one's home, they are a representative of God and should be treated as such. This concept is deeply ingrained in Indian culture.
And that folks is what Indian culture can help us learn about Customer service. Treating our customers like a guest in an Indian home or rather using that concept:
It is OUR privilege to SERVE our customers with respect, affection & anticipate and fulfill their needs before they have to ask - just as we would if they are our guest in OUR home.
Key principles in action
- Respect, Respect, Respect
- Understand the needs
- Anticipate the next needs
- Serve with humility and affection
- Offer the BEST of what we have
- Invite back
This will definitely lead to higher customer satisfaction and retention.
Let us know what you think, and if you have tried this how it has worked for you.
Try it out today on your friends and family to test this concept out - Treat them like your top customers!
Are there different customs in different regions of India?
India is a diverse country with many different regions, each with their own unique customs and traditions when it comes to hospitality and treating guests. Here are some examples of how guests are treated in different regions of India:
- North India: In North India, guests are often welcomed with aarti, a ritual in which a lamp is waved in front of the guest as a sign of welcome. They may also be offered paan, a preparation made with betel leaves, nuts, and spices. It is common to serve guests rich and spicy food, and to make sure they are well-fed and comfortable.
- South India: In South India, guests are often welcomed with a garland of flowers and a traditional sweet called Mysore pak. They are also served a variety of vegetarian dishes, including rice, lentils, and vegetables. In some parts of South India, guests are also offered a banana leaf as a plate to eat their food from.
- East India: In East India, guests are often welcomed with a gamosa, a traditional cloth towel. They may also be served a refreshing drink made with mangoes, or a sweet made with jaggery and coconut called rasgulla. In some parts of East India, it is also customary to offer guests a traditional paan made with mustard oil and betel leaves.
- West India: In West India, guests are often welcomed with a tikka, a mark made with vermilion powder on the forehead. They may also be served a refreshing drink made with kokum or a sweet made with milk and sugar called peda. In some parts of West India, guests are also offered a traditional snack called farsan, which is made with gram flour.
- Northeast India: In Northeast India, guests are often welcomed with a traditional shawl or scarf called a phanek. They may also be offered a refreshing drink made with fermented rice called chang or a sweet made with black sesame called til pitha. In some parts of Northeast India, guests are also offered a traditional rice beer called apong.
What about in other countries in the region?
Hospitality and treating guests with respect and honor is an important cultural value in many countries and cultures around the world, including those neighboring India. Here are a few examples:
- Nepal: Similar to India, Nepalese culture places a great deal of importance on hospitality and treating guests with respect. Guests are often welcomed with a garland of flowers or a khada, a traditional silk scarf. They are also offered food and beverages, and it is customary to serve the guest the best food the family has to offer.
- Bhutan: In Bhutanese culture, guests are welcomed with a cup of suja, a salty butter tea, and a plate of traditional snacks. It is customary to offer guests a comfortable place to sit and to engage in conversation with them.
- Iran: In Iranian culture, hospitality is known as "Mehman Nawazi." Guests are often welcomed with tea or coffee, sweets, and a range of snacks. It is also customary to offer guests a comfortable place to sit and engage in conversation.
- Turkey: In Turkish culture, hospitality is known as "Misafirperverlik." Guests are welcomed with tea, coffee, or sherbet, and are often offered a range of snacks and sweets. It is also common to offer guests a place to rest or to stay overnight.
- Japan: In Japanese culture, hospitality is known as "Omotenashi." Guests are often welcomed with a bow and a warm greeting. It is customary to offer guests a comfortable place to sit and to provide them with food and beverages.
Important Disclaimer: Just because your Indian origin/desi friends do not treat you exactly as described above does not mean disrespect! Traditions have changed over time, but the principles do remain in action. (But if you think it will help, feel free to forward them this link ;)
What is Namaste?
At the very basic form, Namaste is a greeting you say and do when you meet someone.
What is Namaste?
"Namaste" is a greeting commonly used in India and Nepal, which is derived from the Sanskrit language.
Why do people say Namaste?
The offering of Namaste is a way to show respect and honor to the person being greeted.
What is the usual way to say Namaste?
It is often accompanied by a slight bow or placing the palms of the hands together in front of the chest, fingers pointing upwards, with the thumbs touching the sternum.
This gesture is called "anjali mudra" or "pranamasana," and it is believed to represent the joining of the left and right sides of the body, which symbolizes the union of the individual self with the divine.
Namaste has a cultural significance in India and Nepal, where it is commonly used as a respectful greeting in both formal and informal settings.
It is also a way to acknowledge the divine within the person being greeted and to promote a sense of humility and the sense of connection between the two.
There are similar customary greetings in other cultures. For example, in Japan, people commonly bow as a sign of respect when greeting others, and in Thailand, people place their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly as a sign of respect. In many Western cultures, shaking hands is a common way to greet others, and hugging is also becoming more popular.
What does Namaste mean?
Literally translated, namaste means, “The Divine within me bows to the same Divine within you.”
What does Namaskar mean?
Namaskar is a respectful greeting or parting salutation in Hindu and yogic traditions. The word is derived from the Sanskrit base namaha, which means “not me” and refers to bowing in reverence.
How is Namaskar different from Namaste?
Namaskar is sometimes considered a synonym of namaste, but there are subtle differences in their meanings.
Namaste is the more popular and informal term, meaning “salutations to you” or “I bow to you with respect”, while namaskar is more formal and translates as “I pay my salutations”.
Spiritually, another difference is the intended object of the greeting or departing salutation. With namaskar, the object of the greeting is the supreme consciousness within the other person. Namaste, however, is typically used to bow to a divine entity, so on a spiritual level, the “you” to whom the salutation is directed is the divine. The meanings of these two words vary by region and tradition.
Namaskar is composed of three Sanskrit words:
- Nam, which means “to bow to”
- As, which means “to be” or “to exist”
- Kar, which means “doing” or “one who does”
Namaskar, therefore, is sometimes translated as “I do the act of bowing with reverence.”
How do people from different regions say Namaste or Namaskar?
Here are a few examples of how people say "Namaste" or "Namaskar" in different Indian languages:
- Hindi: नमस्ते (Namaste) - This is the standard greeting in Hindi and is widely used across India.
- Marathi: नमस्कार (Namaskar) - This is the standard greeting in Marathi, which is spoken in the state of Maharashtra.
- Bengali: নমস্কার (Nomoshkar) - This is the standard greeting in Bengali, which is spoken in the eastern region of India, including the state of West Bengal.
- Tamil: வணக்கம் (Vanakkam) - This is the standard greeting in Tamil, which is spoken in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
- Telugu: నమస్కారం (Namaskaram) - This is the standard greeting in Telugu, which is spoken in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.
- Kannada: ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ (Namaskara) - This is the standard greeting in Kannada, which is spoken in the southern state of Karnataka.
- Gujarati: નમસ્તે (Namaste) - This is the standard greeting in Gujarati, which is spoken in the western state of Gujarat.
- Punjabi: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ (Sat Sri Akal) - This is a traditional greeting in Punjabi, which is spoken in the northern state of Punjab. It means "Truth is the ultimate reality."
Learn More about languages from India
It's worth noting that there may be regional variations in how people say "Namaste" or "Namaskar" in different parts of India, and there may be additional greetings or expressions used in different contexts or situations.
Here are a few examples of greetings similar to "Namaste" from around the world:
Thailand: สวัสดี (Sawatdee) - This is a common greeting in Thai, which is spoken in Thailand. It's often accompanied by a wai, which is a gesture where the hands are placed together in a prayer-like position and raised to the chest or forehead. Source
Japan: こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - This is a common greeting in Japanese, which is spoken in Japan. It's often accompanied by a bow, which can range from a slight nod of the head to a deeper bow depending on the formality of the situation.
Indonesia and Malaysia: Salam (Salam sejahtera in Malaysia) - "Salam" means "peace" in Arabic, and it's used as a greeting in both Indonesia and Malaysia.
It's often accompanied by a handshake, a bow, or the touching of hands to the chest. Source for images
Tibet: Tashi delek - This is a Tibetan greeting that means "auspicious blessings" or "good luck." It's often accompanied by a slight bow or putting the hands together in a prayer-like position.
Philippines: Mabuhay - This is a common greeting in Tagalog, which is spoken in the Philippines. It means "long life" or "welcome" and is often accompanied by a handshake or a slight bow.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names - a play on the word Hollywood).
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