2. Introduction
5000 year old ancient civilization
Indian cultural history spans more than 4,500 years
325 language spoken-1652 dialects, 18 official
language
29 states 7 union territories
World largest democracy
World 3rd largest economy
3. India’s Value System
Patriarchal Society
Hospitality
Life based around the concept of ‘karma’
Trustworthy
Highly religious
Inequality between men and women
4. Religion
India is notable for its religious diversity
India is birthplace of many religions
Hinduism is the first largest religion
Islamism is the second largest religion
5. Greetings
Namaskar is the most common greeting
Namaskar- “I bow to the divine in you”
Aarti & garland ritual in Hindu worship
Pranama
Using appropriate formal titles for addressing
Handshake – Business world
6. Special Aspects
Family
For generation, India has had a prevailing tradition of
the joint family system
Marriage
For centuries, arranged marriages have been the
tradition in Indian culture
Clothing
Traditional clothing in India generally varies across
different parts of the country
7. Body Language
Indians value personal space
Hands on hips considered an argumentative posture
Avoid direct eye contact
Using right hand is good sign
Public displays affection are not proper
Never point with finger
8. Food culture
Indian cuisine is diverse, varying with seasons in each
region
Food is mainly served in ‘thali’
It reflect human knowledge, culture, art and expression
of love.
Indian cuisine is invariably complex
Indian food is a cosmopolitan cuisine
9. Business Etiquette
Relationship & communication
Indians prefer to do business with those they know
Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect
10. Business Meeting Etiquettes
Meetings are arranged in advance
Keep their schedule flexible
Impressed with punctuality
Meetings start with getting to know each other
Always send a detail agenda
11. Business Negotiation
Indians are non-confrontational
Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority
Decision making is slow process
If you lose your temper, you lose face and prove you are
unworthy
Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the
government
Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal
12. Festivals
India is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society
Navratri, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi,
Durga puja, Holi, Ratha-Yatra, Ugadi, Rakshabandhan,
and Dussehra
Also celebrates national festivals
Ugadi, Bihu, Gudhi Padwa, Puthandu, Vishu and
Vishuva Sankranti are the New years festival of
different part of India
Eid ul Fitr, Bakr Eid, Milad un Nabi, Muharram and
Shab-e-Barat celebrated in country
The country celebrates Christmas and Good Friday as
public holidays
13. Dress Etiquette
Business attire is conservative
Men should wear conservative business suits
Women should wear conservative suits or dresses
The weather often determines clothing
14. Conclusion
India is land of peace, love and unity. It is the best
example in the world to claim “unity in diversity”,
consisting of all qualities of sub-continents