Indian hospitality is very popular all across the world and deeply rooted in the veins of Indian customs & traditions. The diversity in culture and the rituals of welcoming guests mark an exceptional identity of this country. Be it dancing, music, festivals, celebrations, social relations, or hospitality, there is something in everything from its ancient and timely changed traditions.
अतिथिदेवो भव: or ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, a phrase in the Sanskrit language is the same element driven from ancient Indian civilization. This dictum, according to the old Vedic scriptures (part of Hindu mythology), means that ‘a guest is equivalent to God’. Therefore, we see why Indian people greet their guests in so high-spirited manner.
While you travel in India, you find spellbinding attractions on every step of your journey. And when you receive an exuberant welcome on the arrival on India’s land, the joy experienced by guests is inexpressible through words. As Indian culture is full of diversity, the custom of greeting is also varying. In some regions, you will be welcomed by showering flowers, introductory songs, dance and music beats. Whereas, in some places, a guest is honoured with a warm reception having floral carpet and a courteous gesture. Furthermore, the same gesture of welcoming guests is expressed in different languages with respect to the states and indigenous people. There are noteworthy rituals or customs of greeting followed in some places in India which are very captivating as well as zestful. And all these styles are incomparable and distinctive in nature.
A journey becomes more alluring if it gets a fantastic start, and to welcome someone in a lively way, what else may be done in order to give inspiring vibes to begin a new relation or journey. Indian greeting rituals are eye-catching and mind-blowing. Different traditions, different languages, so, let’s unwind the various greeting rituals that are offered to guests in different regions of India and learn to offer the same.
Khamma Ghani: Welcome To Rajasthan
Saying ‘Khamma Ghani’, with the gesture of folding hands in front of the chest and a bit bent at the waist, is the expression of greeting guests. It means, ‘many greetings’ in Rajasthani dialect. The phrase is composed of two words; ‘Khama’ which means greeting and ‘Ghani’ refers to the zeal of expression. Khama Ghani is the traditional way of welcoming guests in Rajasthan. It is believed that the word originated in Mewar Empire in the early 15th century since then it gained the common way of salutation and greeting in Mewar and obtained a special place in Rajasthan. The significance of this Rajasthani expression implicit in showing a great reverence to guests assuming next to God.
Wearing a saffron variant colored Turban or Pagadi and having a beautiful smile over face while stretching the long moustache is more than enough to captivate anyone. In addition to this, playing Rajasthani folk musical instruments like Gharha, Ektara, Sarangi, etc. is also considered the best way to entertain guests as well as creating a pleasant ambiance through music.
If you want a typical royal treatment, Rajasthan is the right place for you. Walking on a colorful carpet in the shower of flowers offered by elephants and folk-dance group escorting you while entertaining with Ghoomar dance and other traditional activity, is definitely the experience that you would like to boast of. Hence, if you ever travel to Rajasthan, just say Khamma Ghani!
Sat Sri Akaal: True is the name of God
The home of Sikhism, Punjab occupies a distinctive place among other states in India. Its warm-hearted gestures, energetic people and great friendliness manifest Sikhism’s everlasting meaning of humanity. ‘Sat sri akaal’ which means ‘true is the name of God’, appears in their general communication. It is the common way of greeting in Punjab. Greeting with Sat sri akaal shows an unending relation. People of this state is believed having great enthusiasm and reverence towards guests.
When they welcome, dressed in vibrant colored Kurtas-Pajamas wearing a high headwear or Turban with playing Dhol beats (a local musical instrument) and dancing passionately on Bhangra Beats, appears more like a gorgeous event. One will be certainly impassioned by receiving such an ebullient courtesy.
Aavo Padharo: Welcome
They receive their guests with a warmth expression by saying in Gujarati ‘Aavo Padharo’; means ‘You are heartily welcome to our home’ and you may reply ‘આભાર’!(Aabhar): Thank you or ‘તમને મળીને આનંદ થયો’! (tamne maline anand thaiyo) Pleased to meet you!
They usually greet with an ‘aarti’ (a ritual of welcoming guests by offering blessings & worship with some sacred ingredients like sandalwood and a diya arranged on a plate). This is a traditional custom still practiced in the millions of Indian homes. Gujarati people are considered very gregarious and social in their nature. Filled with full energy, people of this state are always enthusiastic to celebrate each moment with their friends and whom even they are unfamiliar with also.
Tumcha Svāgat Aso: You are most welcome
Maharashtra holds a dynamic fusion of traditional practices and great modernization. The people of this state still perform and believe strongly in their culture. And this exhibits through their greeting ritual. They welcome guests by saying in the Marathi language; Tumcha svāgat aso, means ‘you are most welcome’. They decorate their home with artistry, flowers, Rangolis (a design made on the floor with colorful powder/glitters) to demonstrate a humble service in the form of deference assuming guests as God. Apart from this, While you are receiving warm-hearted cultural reception, you will have a plethora of other enchanting elements to discover on your tour in Maharashtra.
Vaṇakkam: Hello
The Tamil word, ‘Vanakkam’ means ‘Hello’ or ‘many greetings’. Tamil culture is believed to be one of the most ancient as well as rich traditions in the world. The South Indian state, Tamil Nadu, has a very long history of ancient rituals and cultural practices. And when they welcome their guests, they envision God’s face in guests. They offer a unique ritual by pouring a few droplets of sacred water (served to their God) and putting a Tilak or mark over forehead and well dressed in a traditional outfit. They serve a great variety of meals and Prasadam (certain edibles served to their God) to their guests. So, if you are interested in a quintessential Indian greeting ritual, you must pay a visit to Tamil Nadu and experience a profound warm-heartedness.
Swagatam: Welcome
Kerala is almost similar to Tamil Nadu and follows the same traditional rituals. And South Indian states, anyways, are usually known for their ritual practices. In Kerala, Malayalam is the most widely spoken language, therefore, they greet the guests in their vernacular language by saying ‘Swagatam’ or ‘Namaskaram’ means ‘Welcome’. The word has itself a very unfathomable meaning. With folded hands and uttering this word in deep regard, as per the Hindu mythological belief, they refer utmost honor towards guests assuming them Godlike.
In acceptance, you should say, ‘Kantathil Santhosham’ means ‘pleased to meet you’ or ‘Upakaram’ means ‘Thank you’.
Adôrôni: Welcome
Putting a unique conical hat over the guest’s head and saying ‘Adoroni’ is a traditional way to welcome in Assam. The hat is called Jaapi and the Assamese people regard as sunshade of Assam and the Assamese word ‘Adoroni’ means ‘welcome’. The composition of Jaapi and Adoroni is regarded as an immense reverence to guests. Bamboo is considered as a significant element of the Assamese culture. And the hat; Jaapi which is made of bamboo strips and dried palm leaves locally known as Tokow Pat. Assamese culture is mostly influenced by Ahom dynasty and the Koch kingdom. It is a blend of Mongoloid, Indo-Burmese, and Aryan which has been transformed through a long process of various races. Therefore, you will find some diversity in some customs but resemblance in conviviality. If you wish to express in return, say ‘Dhônyôbad’, which means ‘Thank you so much’.
Our cultural pursuit is just the beginning and seeks your kind participation as well as support with us. Share your experience if you have ever gone through or received a traditional greeting ritual during any group tour in India.
