Welcome Rituals, the Asian Way

Each culture have different ways of welcoming visitors. Different words, different gestures, different symbols.  People going extra mile to make their visitors feel at home. 

I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit different communities in Asia for work, and it feels nice to be welcomed, in whatever way is appropriate for their culture. My most memorable and favorite ones are the welcome rituals from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Indonesia. 

I have traveled 3 times to India , each time I have visited communities in remote places.  I found the people to be very hospitable.  As a sign of greeting, they apply tilak or red mark in the forehead between the brows of their visitors. Flower garlands, often made of orange marigold flowers, are also given to acknowledge and to show their happiness at receiving their guests. During my visit in one of the villages in Bihar province, I was given tons of garlands, going up to my chin that I had to ask permission if I can remove some, so that I can have a conversation with them. :)

Shower of petals..what a welcome!

How do I look with the tilak?

Tons of garlands...and wait...there's more?

A very heart warming welcome from the children.... and look at that work of art.

During one of my visits in Thatta, a Sindh province in Pakistan, I was so touched to see small children lined up the streets to greet us.  As we walked, they showered us with rose petals. I also noticed that the women, and even little girls, were fully made up. My Pakistani colleague said that it is also how they welcome visitors- by being and looking their best: wearing their best clothes, putting on their jewelries and make up. Never experienced something like this... it was...touching.

Rose petal shower....(me in orange Pakistani garb) 

In Nepal, visitors are welcomed by putting a khata (pronounced as khada)  around the neck. A khata is a traditional ceremonial scarf, presented at ceremonial occassions, symbolizing purity and compassion. During my visit in Makwanpur district, I was given a yellow-gold khata along with the invitation to stay in Makwanpur, because they said I look like a Nepali.

My khata

Visitors of West Timor in Indonesia are welcomed with Natoni.  In natoni, a group will perform a welcome dance, do a short welcome speech and put selendang (woven shawl or shoulder cloth) on the neck of the guest. It is said that it is an expression of their happiness and a form of prayer for God to protect and bless the guest and everyone in their village. During my visit to Oinlassi, a group of women performed the natoni...and I got a really nicely weaved scarf.

Welcome dance...and lovely costumes

Welcome dance...

Drums....

Musical instruments.

...and I got my lovely selendang.

Beautiful culture. Beautiful people. Priceless moments.

Travel Tips: Nepal

Nepal is one country I cannot get enough of.  It has Mount Everest, very beautiful landscape of mountain ranges, and very friendly people who enjoy meeting visitors and who have a ready smile for everyone. The following are some tips for those who plan to explore Nepal: 

Visa

A visa is required when travelling to Nepal.  It can be organized through the Nepalese Embassies in USA, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Brussels, Geneva Japan, Thailand and Hongkong. For those without embassies, tourists can apply for tourist visa upon arrival at Kathmandu.  A 15 day single entry tourist visa is usually provided for a USD 25 entry fee. You may check out visa regulations at the Nepal Tourism Board website.

Arrival

All international flights arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.  It is, surprisingly, a small airport considering the huge number of tourists coming to Nepal. Tribhuvan is the only international airport in Nepal.  

Currency

Currency is Nepalese rupee (NPR). You may get estimate of the exchange rate here before you travel. There are foreign exchange counters at Tribhuvan airport as well as in downtown Kathmandu. 

Major banks and big restaurants, hotels and shopping malls in Kathmandu accept major international credit cards.

Travelling in and around Kathmandu

Metered taxis are available and fare may cost up to approximately USD6 or Euro4.

Timezone

GMT + 5:45

Weather

• Summer is March to mid June and temperature can range from 15 to 32 degree Celcius during summer. 
• Monsoon period is between mid June to mid August.
• Winter is from mid November until mid February.  Temperature can go down to minus 2 degree Celsius during mid winter with lots of fog and frost in the morning.  In Kathmandu, winter season is very cold, but without snow. 

Best time to visit 

The best time to visit is after August, when the monsoon ends.  Post monsoon mountain air is clean and fresh and also Dashain and Tihar festivals fall in September and October. From February to April, climate is dry and pleasant and also rhododendons (Nepal's national flower) are in bloom.

Language 

The language spoken (even in hotels and restaurants) is mainly Nepali.  English is spoken to assist foreigners. 

Things to Remember: 

• Before entering a house or a temple, please remove your shoes

• Non Hindus are not allowed to enter into Hindu temples. Buddhist temples are however open to all.

• Women should avoid dresses which expose bare shoulders and knees when visiting rural areas

• Don't kiss or shake hands, especially with women, unless they initiate.

• To greet people or say good morning, good evening, goodnight and goodbye, say "Namaste" with hands joined together and fingers extended in front of you. A simple smile is also accepted or you may raise your right hand slightly above your head.  

• Do not put your hand or arm on the shoulder of a person,specially of a woman and also do not put your hands on the head of the children, as it may offend them. 

• Do not smoke in public places as it is prohibited by the government..

Have a safe and fun travel to Nepal!