There’s a Sanskrit phrase you may hear in India: Atithi Devo Bhava, “the guest is God.” Hospitality runs deep, and as a volunteer you will be welcomed warmly at your project, in shops and in people’s homes. You are also a guest in their communities and workplaces, and a few customs matter more than visitors expect. Here are the dos and don’ts that help you fit in, work well and stay safe.
Do
- Greet people with a namaste. Press your palms together, smile and say it. Men often shake hands with other men; with women, wait to see whether they offer a hand.
- Use your right hand to eat, to pass food and to give or take money and gifts. The left hand is traditionally kept for washing, so using it at the table can cause offense.
- Take your shoes off before you enter a temple, mosque, gurdwara or someone’s home, and wherever you see a row of shoes by the door, including some classrooms.
- Dress modestly, with your shoulders and knees covered, and cover your head at gurdwaras. Our guide to what to wear has the details.
- Follow the staff’s lead. Teachers, carers and doctors run our projects, and you are there to support them. Watch how things work before suggesting changes, and run new ideas past the staff first.
- Stick to the child-protection rules. At orientation we go through our code of conduct for working with children, including the rules on physical contact and photos. You are never left in sole charge of a child, and if anything worries you, tell your coordinator.
- Be on time, even if things around you start late. Projects plan their day around you, so if you are ill or running late, let the project and your coordinator know.
- Bargain, politely, at markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers. Agree on the fare before you get in, or book through a ride app. Shops with printed prices generally don’t haggle.
- Learn a few words of Hindi. We teach the useful ones at orientation, and people warm to you instantly when you try.
- Take a small gift if you are invited to someone’s home. Sweets or fruit are always welcome.
Don’t
- Don’t photograph people without asking, especially women. At your project, take photos of children only with the staff’s agreement, and never post pictures online that show where a child lives or studies. Photography is also banned at military sites and airports, and inside some temples.
- Don’t hand out money or gifts to individual children. If you would like to donate, ask your coordinator what the center needs and give it through the staff.
- Don’t show affection in public. Kissing and hugging draw stares and disapproval, even in the big cities.
- Don’t get drawn into heated arguments about religion or politics. Ask questions and listen instead.
- Don’t expect beef on the menu. Cows are sacred to many Hindus, and beef is rarely served in North India.
- Don’t drink tap water. Fill a refillable bottle with filtered water at your accommodation.
- Don’t buy tickets from touts. Book trains and buses at official counters or websites, or ask your coordinator to help.
- Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers on trains and buses, however friendly they seem.
- Don’t carry your passport around every day. Keep it safe at your accommodation and carry a copy, but take the original when you travel overnight or check into a hotel.
- Don’t go out alone late at night. Go in a group, use the Metro, a pre-booked taxi or a ride app, and tell someone where you are going.
Get these right and most other things fall into place. If it all feels a little overwhelming at first, that’s normal, and our post on dealing with culture shock can help. For more on getting around safely, read our safety tips for volunteers.
Once you are here, your coordinator can help with anything else, at any hour. And if you have questions before you book, email info@volunteeringindia.com.