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Different Ways to Say Hello in India!

Different Ways to Say Hello in India
India is a place of different cultures, languages and traditions, every area offers its own way of saying “Hello”. Saying “Hello” looks a bit simple and straightforward, however in India, the choice of languages and local languages add plates of cultural weight for even the simplest exchange of greetings. If you are traveling through the busy streets of Delhi or Exploring the heritages of Rajasthan, or Trekking the Himalayas, It is good to know how to greet locals in their local languages and can give you a kind of friendly environment.

Different Ways to Say Hello in India
Different Ways to Say Hello in India

Here’s a look at the different ways to say “Hello” across India

1. Namaste- Hello In India (नमस्ते) – Hindi, Sanskrit, and Pan-India
“Namaste” is certainly a well known Indian Greeting worldwide. It is a word which comes from Sanskrit meaning “I bow to you”. This Greeting is used mostly in north India and regions where Hindi is spoken, however Hindi is spoken all over India. It is often followed by joining the palms in front of the chest, showing respect and humility.

2. Different Ways to Say Hello in India
“Ram- Ram” is a well known word in north India specially in Rajasthan and Haryana. It is a word which comes from the name of Lord Ram. There is a saying in Rajasthan that when you say “Ram-Ram” to someone, you chanted the Ram name around 108 times. It is often followed by joining the palms in front of the chest, showing respect and humility. When you plan a Rajasthan tour with us, you will notice most people greet in this way.

3. Khuda Hafiz
This greeting to people is usually followed by the Islamic religion of India. They use Khuda Hafiz or Allah Hafiz at the time of saying goodbye. This greeting has been followed by the Muslim community for ages. Khuda Hafiz or Allah Hafiz simply means “Let God be your protector”.

4. Vanakkam
Welcoming someone in South India is done by greeting Vanakkam. This kind of greeting is usually practiced and said by Tamilians, Malayalam, and Lakhans. It is the very oldest form of greeting which various South Indians are following till now. Sometimes vanadium is also used when some person is leaving the home.

5. As-salam alaiKum
As-salam alaikum is also one of the famous greetings of the Muslim religion. They wish various people as-salam alaikum whenever they meet their peoples be It in a mosque or religious or any event gathering. It simply means, may peace be unto you. In reply to this greeting, people generally wish WaAlaikumSalam which means, and unto you peace.

6. Jai Shree Krishna
Jai Shree Krishna is generally used by all the individuals of India, but especially when you visit Gujarat or meet the Gujarati family, Jai Shree Krishna is the first word you hear from their mouth. Greeting Jai Shree Krishna means hailing Lord Krishna.

7. Khamma Ghani
This greeting is a very popular greeting to be heard in Rajasthan. It has a deep meaning inside its name. It means forgive all the grudges and start a fresh journey. Khamma refers to “Kshma or forgiveness” and Ghani as a lot. If you have booked a Vacation trip in India to Rajasthan tour, the people out there will welcome you by this gesture.

8. Julley
This kind of greeting is very similar to Namaskar or hello. It is mainly used in the Ladakh state of India to greet people and also used in some parts of Himachal Pradesh.

9. Adaab
It is the most common form of gesture or greeting used by the Muslim community. It can be used by raising the hand with the palm headed upwards with the tip of the finger almost touching the forehead. It is also considered to be one of the oldest forms of greeting.

10. Radhe Radhe
This gesture of greeting and welcoming people is most popular in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and it’s surrounding areas. This gesture is being spoken by people to remember Lord Krishna’s name.

11. Jai Jhulelal
The God jhulelal is worshipped by the various peoples of the Sindhi community. They greet each other Jai Jhulelal when they meet someone or say goodbye to some people.

12. Jai bhole/ Har har Mahadev
Various people of the Hindu religion greet each other with Jai bhole or Har har Mahadev. It’s the common greeting for the people who live in Banaras or Haridwar or surrounding areas. Har har Mahadev is being spoken by various peoples because it’s believed that if someone takes his or her last breath in Kashi, he/she will never be reborn and will be liberated by the life cycle of life and death.

13. Jai Jai
Another greeting that can be heard in Rajasthan Bikaner city is Jai Jai. One can find hearing Jai Jai wherever they are. It can be hard in airports, taxis, and various common tourist places in Bikaner. When the people of Bikaner greet people and travellers with the gesture Jai Jai, the sound coming from their mouths is very sweet and mesmerizing.

14. Suprabhat
Suprabhat is also followed by shubh sandhya or shubh ratri. Maybe it has been replaced by various English words like good morning and evening, but these gestures have their meanings.

15. Charan Vandhana
Charan Vandhana is mostly used in the state of Himachal Pradesh and its neighboring cities. It generally means “Feet and prayer” like touching feet and taking their blessing upon you.

16. Jai Jinendra
This gesture of greeting peoples in India is very common and popular amongst the Jainism religion. They greet people with Jai Jinendra when they need to bid them adieu for their journey.

17. Dhaal Karu
The other common and traditional greeting spoken by various Himachal is Dhaal Karu. The meaning of this greeting is just the same as wishing namaste.

18. Narmada Har
The most common slogan or greeting which can be heard in areas surrounded by river Ganga like Prayagraj, Rishikesh, and its surrounding areas. This slogan depicts that all the queries and problems should come to an end.

19. Jai Mata di
The greetings are being spelled by various Hindu devotees of Mata rani. It can be heard mostly in all cities of India.

20. Sat Shri Akal
This greeting can be heard once you visit the Punjab state of India. The Punjabi used to greet people with Sat Shri Akal when someone is coming home after a long time or has won something for themselves.
People of India can use different types of greetings to greet you. But they always respect you with all their hearts. It’s important to know all these greetings so that whenever you book India vacation packages, you may get all knowledge about Indian culture.

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