Festivals & Guest Etiquette in India: What Visitors Should Know

Diwali, Eid, Navratri, weddings, and home visits — shoes, gifts, dress codes, and how to accept food graciously.

India’s festival calendar mixes religious, regional, and national observances. Dates shift on lunar calendars—verify annually. Major cities amplify lights and crowds; rural towns may observe differently. Respect local norms over generic “India” advice.

Remove shoes unless hosts insist otherwise. Greet elders first. Gifts—sweets, fruit—are common; avoid leather in strict Hindu or Jain contexts if unsure. Wash hands before communal meals.