What do you bring as a gift when you are invited in India I will be invited to dinner or to lunch at home of Indian friends of friends?

Answer 1

That depends completely on who is inviting you and what you are being invited to. Are you being invited to some type of 'milestone' event? (A milestone event would be a wedding, or a celebration of an historic event, or even a birthday.) Is it a holiday celebration? A cultural celebration? Is this a business event? Is the person inviting you Indian? Or is it someone from another country who is living and working in India? Without having any information on what you are being invited to, or by whom, I cannot give you a clear cut answer. I can however, give you some basics with regard to Indian culture and customs.

Gift giving in India is not only customary, but a sure sign of friendship and well wishes. Keep in mind who you are giving the gift to though, and where you are in India. India is a large country, with several regions, and customs. If this is for business, or you are you a student visiting from abroad, most appreciated are gifts from your home country or state.

Make sure not to wrap your gift in black or white, as those colors are signs of bad luck and associated with mourning. Silver and gold are signs of respect. If you are a dog lover, do not show it in your gift as dogs are considered unclean, especially with Indians who are Muslim as well. Any gift of animal hide or something made from leather would be in very poor taste.

Gifts of food or candy, art, scents or perfumes & hand crafted items from your home country or state are always good choices. If you are in India, and invited to an event, or even planning to visit India, here is a good tip; Go online to Ebay India and look around at different items for sale and auction. Try the category 'Everything Else' to start. Nothing else at the moment can give you a broader view of cultural trends in a country than their Ebay. (No, I do not work for Ebay, but I buy and sell on Ebay. I love to go onto to the Ebay sites in other countries, sometimes just out of curiosity. It's not only fun, but educational!)

Do not expect your gift to be opened in front of you, but if you are a visiting guest in India and given a gift, do open it in front of the gift giver and express your sincere appreciation. Always follow up with a thank you note later. Mention the event and express your appreciation for being invited and included in the celebration.