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12 Normal Indian Gestures That Could

Land You In Major Trouble Abroad
Neha Borkar
April 22, 2015

57.8K
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When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Heard that enough? For good
measure, of course. Because if you continue to behave like you're in your own
zone, you might run into some trouble. Say, for example, gestures. These
common gestures in India might land you in a load of trouble abroad, as they
can be downright insulting to the locals. Take a look.

1. The 'rock on' sign has a different meaning in Italy,

Brazil, Colombia and Spain.

2. A simple thumbs up will land you in trouble in Italy,

Iraq, Greece and Russia.

3. In Vietnam, fingers crossed means something

different.

4. A victory sign is not a victory sign in England and

Australia.

5. 'Talk to the hand' symbolises 'go to hell' in Greece.

6. When in the UK, never raise your little finger.

7. Whoa!

8. Something as normal as eating with elbows on the

table in India is considered rude in Mexico.

9. Sticking your tongue out is an insult in India.

However, it's a sign of respect in Tibet.

10. Spitting is considered a blessing in Kenya.

11. Patting on the head is not cool in Buddhist

countries.

12. This is how you call dogs in Philippines,

Singapore and Japan.

http://www.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/self/12-normal-indian-gestures-that-could-landyou-in-major-trouble-abroad-232023.html
5:21 pm

The Secret Language of Hands in Indian

Iconography
Consciousness or Deliberation Mudra
image: http://thumbs.media.smithsonianmag.com//filer/fa/ea/faeac136-180c-489e-88c8665a685577ff/buddhahands_grouped-01-web-resize.jpg__800x0_q85_crop.jpg

(Richard Johnson)

Known as Chin or Vitarka Mudra. This touch of the thumb and forefinger evokes mind
and mindfulness. A yogi will assume this gestureaccompanied by outstretched arms
and upturned palms resting on kneeswhile meditating in the lotus position. Or the
dreadlocked god Shiva, with a crooked elbow and a vertical palm, might use this while
explaining yoga to his consort Parvati.

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No Fear Mudra
image: http://thumbs.media.smithsonianmag.com//filer/64/86/64861d4e-f2dc-4be2-83f0110625a691f3/buddhahands_grouped-03-web-resize.jpg__800x0_q85_crop.jpg

(Richard Johnson)

Known as Abhaya Mudra. A gesture familiar from statues of the Buddha, its also used
by the fearsome Hindu goddess Durga as she looks out at you while riding a tiger. Its

commonly employed as well in modern daily lifeto calm a crowd, or an impatient

traveler.

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Giving Honor Mudra

image: http://thumbs.media.smithsonianmag.com//filer/58/77/58771705-5cff-49ad-93f0cf49efa92a44/buddhahands_grouped-02-web-resize.jpg__800x0_q85_crop.jpg

(Richard Johnson)

Known as Namaskara Mudra. Probably the most familiar gesture in all of Indian
physical culture. This can be a deeply felt sign of reverence or simply a polite form of
greeting.

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Earth-Touching Mudra
image: http://thumbs.media.smithsonianmag.com//filer/25/77/2577fdf0-3288-41a6-845cf4e1c071732d/buddhahands_grouped-04-web-resize.jpg__800x0_q85_crop.jpg

(Richard Johnson)

Known as Bhumisparsha Mudra. Another signature gesture of the meditating Buddha.

He is said to have touched the soil like this at the moment he simultaneously attained
enlightenment and came back to Earth. Shiva, Hinduisms great erotic-ascetic god, can
also be found in this posture.

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Meditation Mudra
image: http://thumbs.media.smithsonianmag.com//filer/66/8b/668b0434-6fd9-451e-9b4f69f2ea46fc53/buddhahands_grouped-06-web-resize.jpg__800x0_q85_crop.jpg

(Richard Johnson)

Known as Dhyana Mudra. The archetypal, centered position of contemplation. Hands

are held still in the lap, between the upward-facing soles of the feet in lotus position,
exemplifying symmetry and stillness.

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Index Finger Mudra

image: http://thumbs.media.smithsonianmag.com//filer/98/63/98631dc1-f9ff-491e-b64fac22595fa051/buddhahands_grouped-05-web-resize.jpg__800x0_q85_crop.jpg

(Richard Johnson)

Known as Tarjani Mudra. Indicates anger, but do not fear. Raised by a guardian spirit at
a temple doorway, or in the iconography of a terrifying goddess like Durga or Kali, the
finger is meant to point away from you and vanquish what would harm you.

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Giving Mudra
image: http://thumbs.media.smithsonianmag.com//filer/68/79/6879546e-b0b1-42359a2d-3ec2ab0ab8cb/buddhahands_grouped-07-web-resize.jpg__800x0_q85_crop.jpg

(Richard Johnson)

Known as Varada Mudra. Youll often see this in statues of the standing Buddha as well
as in calendar-art prints of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, which are often
posted by the cash box in Indian shops.

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5:25 pm

9 Gestures That Are Solely Indian

November 18, 2015

Gestures are one of the most effective ways of

communication. We made a list of gestures which
we Indians use on a daily basis. Here you go:
1. Matlab kya?

This is the most used gesture. This gesture is

used in any situation where you cannot understand
what the other person is up to.
Kyaa gaadi chala raha hai, B#%@3*!

2. Tu rehne de

When you are in a situation and your that friend

gives you another terrible idea. You go like

3. Ek number!!!

This particular gesture is used in an appreciating

sense.
Want to tell your friend how hot his new GF is
without making him worry, just say Bhai, ek
number!!!

4. Satyanash!

Probably the favourite gesture of Indian mothers.

Fail ho gaye? Satyanash!, Plate tod di?
Satyanash!, Shaadi ni karni? Satyanash!, etc.

5. Nazar na lag jaye

We all have heard and seen aunties doing this.

But, we have absolutely no idea how a dance step
like this can stop nazar from getting to you.
#mysteries

6. Bhai, mujhe maaf kar

A subtle and polite way of saying HELL NO!.

When your friend asks you to do something that
you dont want to, Bhai, mujhe maaf kar.

7. Baba ji ka thullu

What happens when you combine nagin dance with

ghanta? You get Baba ji ka thullu
This gesture is apt for situations where you want to
explain how waste-of-time a thing is/was.
Saale, ghumaya, firaya, shopping bhi karayi, end
mein mila kya? Baba ji ka thullu!

8. Mootra-Visarjan gesture

We all are civilised people, right?

No one likes to say or wants to hear Main mootra
visarjan karke aata hu, coz that would be awkward
and embarrassing.
So we Indians invented this gesture to save
ourselves from these kind of situations. Just raise
your little finger and you are excused.

9. The confusing nod

When your boss says Kal tak report mere desk par
honi chahiye.