Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RELIGIOUS ETIQUETTE
Whenever visiting a sacred site, dress and behave respectfully - don't wear shorts or sleeveless tops (this applies
to men and women) - and refrain from smoking. Loud and intrusive behaviour isn't appreciated, and neither are
public displays of affection or kidding around.
Before entering a holy place, remove your shoes (tip the shoe-minder a few rupees when retrieving them) and
check if photography is allowed. You're permitted to wear socks in most places of worship - often necessary dur-
ing warmer months, when floors can be uncomfortably hot.
Religious etiquette advises against touching locals on the head, or directing the soles of your feet at a person,
religious shrine or image of a deity. Protocol also advises against touching someone with your feet or touching a
carving of a deity.
Head cover (for women and sometimes men) is required at some places of worship - especially gurdwaras
(Sikh temples) and mosques - so carry a scarf just to be on the safe side. There are some sites that don't admit
women and some that deny entry to non-adherents of their faith - enquire in advance. Women may be required to
sit apart from men. Jain temples request the removal of leather items you may be wearing or carrying and may
also request that menstruating women not enter.
Taking photos inside a shrine, at a funeral, at a religious ceremony or of people taking a holy dip can be offens-
ive - ask first. Flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas of a shrine, or may not be permitted at all.
