Hindi gestures

"Namaste" Literally: “I bow to you” How to do it: press your hands together palm-by-palm in front of your chest and give a slight nod with your head at the same time. Illustration: Guardian Photograph: Guardian “jıte raho” “May you live long” Touching someone’s feet is a traditional Indian sign of respect and subservience. Though no longer the commonplace gesture it once was, it is still practiced widely across India. Illustration: Guardian Photograph: Guardian ... and one to avoid Many people in India consider it rude if you point at people or things with your finger; some people will even take offence when a finger is raised to make a point. Instead, try and use your whole hand or even your chin. Illustration: Guardian Photograph: Guardian