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Ayubowan namaste hand gesture greeting when

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Rita A.•1785 rep•2

Ayubowan hand-together greeting When to use vs handshake

18

3 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

'Ayubowan' with hands together (Anjali mudra) at chest is Sri Lanka's traditional greeting — literally 'may you live long'. Use it: (1) meeting monks, elders, in temples. (2) formal or respectful contexts. (3) with older people you don't know. (4) at beginning/end of stay at a home.

49
K
Kumari S.•2810 rep•1

Handshake: more common in modern business, urban, younger contexts. Handshake + slight bow is a blend that reads respectful. Watching your host's opening move works — they'll set the tone. As tourist, defaulting to Ayubowan is safest for older people, monks; handshake fine with peers.

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Roshan D.•10160 rep•1

Ayubowan for elders, handshake for peers. Thanks!

1
R
Rita A.•1785 rep•2

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