Namaste - customs, greetings and etiquette in Nepal

by Work the World

The patients and families were so happy when I could just ask them how they were.

Kathmandu is the home of our Nepalese programme, and we recommend taking advantage of the language lessons available in the house, which take place twice a week during your elective. The culture is tolerant of tourists, despite only receiving them for 4 decades or so, and it is imbued with the spirituality of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. This means it’s important to dress and behave respectfully, particularly at temples and holy sites. The tribes in the region have their own diverse cultures and dialects, which you may get a taste of if you take part in the wonderful Village Experience.

Etiquette

Don’t point with your finger, but rather use your whole hand or your chin
‘Yes’ is communicated by tilting your head from side to side. Shaking your head to say ‘no’ may be interpreted as ‘yes.’ A better gesture is to shake your palm as if you’re adjusting a bracelet
Lips are considered polluting, so be careful not to share water bottles, touch the food before you’ve bought it, or share it If you are sharing a drink, try to avoid touching the bottle with your lips or use a glass
The left hand is still associated with wiping after using the toilet. Avoid passing food with it or wiping your mouth with it. Use your right hand to give gifts or use both hands to convey respect
Watch out for groups of shoes at the entrance of a building, and be prepared to take yours off before entering.
Dress modestly, particularly for temples and holy places

Greetings

Hello will be widely understood, but ‘namaskar’ is also a formal greeting.
‘Namaste’ - literally, ‘I see the God within you’ is a custom often expressed with the palms together like prayer.
What’s up - ‘Kay cha’?

“I can’t stress enough: go to the language lessons and use the language in the hospital. The patients and families were so happy when I could just ask them how they were.” Aimee Monahan, Nepal

Find out more about our overseas healthcare placements in Kathmandu.