Archive · 12 Aug 2026

Namaste, Namaskar, Pranam: When to Use Each Greeting

Namaste, Namaskar, Pranam: When to Use Each Greeting

In India, people greet each other in special ways.

There are three common greetings: Namaste, Namaskar, and Pranam.

All three are ways of showing respect.

Namaste is like a friendly hello for friends and people your own age.

Namaskar is more formal and is used at work, meetings, or when greeting a group of people.

Pranam is the most respectful greeting of all.

It is used for parents, grandparents, teachers, and wise elders.

Sometimes people bow down or touch the feet of elders when saying Pranam.

This shows deep love and respect and asks for their blessings.

So, the greeting you choose depends on who you are meeting.

Sources