INDIAN HOSPITALITY

India's foreign tourism revenues grew by a record 33.8 per cent in 2007 amid a big campaign by the country to draw more overseas visitors. Foreign exchange earned from tourism climbed to $11.96 billion last ar from $8.93 billion the previous

Indian hospitality is legendary. The maxim of hospitality in India has crossed generations and is not only learned but truly believed by each individual. The Sanskrit saying, "Atithi Devo Bhava," or "the guest is truly your god," dictates the respect granted to guests in India ("Indian " 1). Each one is treated with the utmost consideration and each Indian extends more than his hand to a visitor. From the Indian man on the street, who when asked for directions, accompanies his company to their destination, to an Indian couple's wedding invitation to a foreign visitor, to the sign reading, "The Holy City Welcomes You" at the Varanasi airport, India extends her arms wide to make a guest feel at home. Indian hospitality is not only spontaneous but also quiet. The Indian people are as Geeta Heble, a proud Indian woman, describes, "not ostentatious in speech or in treatment of guests" ( Heble Interview). For all Indians, hospitality, though not ostentatious, is a priority. The Indian people feel that their guests must be given proper hospitality, which certainly requires extreme care and attention. Although the head male of the clan, usually the grandfather or great grandfather, is the most prominent symbol of the family, the women are the backbone of traditional hospitality. Despite fulfilling her duty as a wife and a mother, a true Indian woman takes pride in herself, her family, and her house and will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy from her home. An Indian woman shows her talents and her warmth through food and is known for her ability to serve fare to her guests, whether they be invited or uninvited ( "Indian" 2). As soon as a guest arrives, every amenity is offered. The woman of the house provides water for the guest upon entry and then asks any preferences for food or drink ( Heble Interview). Then, female guests gather in the kitchen with the women as they prepare delicious food while male guests gather with other males to discuss news or events. When the food is prepared, the entire family and the guests sit down to eat. Customarily, the family talks of members' health, children's progress in school, and relationships while they eat. In addition, the guests are usually asked the details of any recent travels or tragedies. The majority of the conversation is done by the hosting family who attempt to show their pride in hospitality by not forgetting to mention every detail (Jani Interview). Once the main meal is finished, whoever wishes to retire, does so. Whoever is awake will talk with the guests and partake in more intimate conversation or a few games. If any children are up, they will always try to teach the guest new games, but if not, the time after a meal provides quality moments for the female guests to really get to know the women and the male guests to really get to know the men. Unlike the intense period of food preparation, the women, at this time, are more personal and laid back. Their duty, as a cook and host, has been done ( Jani Interview). When time comes for the guest to retire, each family, in accommodating guests, takes important criteria into the decision such as the number of guests, the bathing and sleeping facilities, privacy for a lady guest, space for children, and the luxury of attending waiters ( "Extending" 2). Traditionally, the best bed in the house is given to the honored guest ("Extending" 2). I have recently been witness to such amazing feats of hospitality, such as special preparation of food and arrangements, while reading E.M Forster's novel, A Passage to India, which depicts India during the British colonial era. Amongst themes of cultural awareness, British and Indian relations, respect, and tolerance, Forster weaves aspects of Indian culture and daily life throughout the novel. Forster provides many examples of Indian hospitality through his main characters, Dr. Aziz, a Muslim doctor from Chandrapore, and the English Cyril Fielding, Mrs. Moore, and Adela Quested. Fielding hosts a Bridge Party in the honor of Mrs. Moore and Miss Quested when they arrive in India. During the party, Mrs. Moore, curious about Indian culture and in search of the "real India," wonders if another guest, Mrs. Bhattacharya, would mind her visiting some day. When asked what day is convenient, Mrs. Bhattacharya, a proud Indian woman, quickly retorts, " All days are convenient." When asked what time, she retorts, " All hours," and when it is revealed that her family has plans to travel to Calcutta the day of the prospective visit, Mrs. Bhattacharya's husband, "says something swiftly to his wife in Bengali," and explains that they will still see Mrs. Moore on the day as planned ( Forster 44). Changing plans or rescheduling events at the announcement of a visit from a guest is not unusual. This scene illustrates the idea of company before family and plans. Vishal Jani, a proud Indian teenager, agrees with the priorities of Mr. and Mrs. Bhattacharya: "The guest is the first priority: prior plans become secondary and inconveniencing your family is never an issue" ( Jani Interview).