According to Indian custom, a guest is to be treated like God. Guests are usually welcomed into an Indian household with an '
aarti' ceremony. Then the auspicious 'tikka' or 'tilak' is applied on the guest's forehead. Tilak may be applied with sandal paste, sacred ashes or
kumkum. The traditional Indian hospitality and warmth is reflected in the way in which guests are accorded welcome.
At present tourists to India are given a taste of the traditional Indian welcome at various programmes organised by hotels and tour operators.
