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Why do most Indians not use toilet paper when going to the bathroom?

News - Mar 28, 2024
Why do most Indians not use toilet paper when going to the bathroom?

When traveling in India, many tourists are amazed by the unique customs, such as eating with their hands. Most people happily respect these customs.

Some Indian households have taps next to toilets for cleaning purposes. Image Credits: Getty
Some Indian households have taps next to toilets for cleaning purposes. Image Credits: Getty

However, there is one habit that many foreign visitors find difficult to adapt to in this country: not using toilet paper after going to the bathroom.

After using the toilet, many people are accustomed to using paper for personal hygiene and drying their hands after washing with soap. But this is not the case in India.

Many tourists are shocked by the unique customs in India, as they don't use toilet paper. Image Credits: Getty
Many tourists are shocked by the unique customs in India, as they don't use toilet paper. Image Credits: Getty

As we know, different countries have different customs and ways of living.

India is a country with a strong religious and cultural reverence.

Therefore, when traveling to other places, you will naturally feel uncomfortable at first.

India's strong religious and cultural reverence can lead to discomfort for travelers.  Image Credits: Getty
India's strong religious and cultural reverence can lead to discomfort for travelers. Image Credits: Getty

Many friends who have traveled to India have witnessed this phenomenon, which is that local people never use paper after going to the bathroom.

In fact, the reason for this phenomenon is that India is a country with a very strong religious culture.

Toilet paper symbolizes purity.

Indians use alternative methods like hand washing for personal hygiene after using the bathroom.  Image Credits: Getty
Indians use alternative methods like hand washing for personal hygiene after using the bathroom. Image Credits: Getty

But their habit is difficult to understand, and it is also the most difficult thing for many tourists to accept when traveling to India.

After learning about it, travelers realize that bathrooms are very dirty places for Indians, but toilet paper symbolizes purity, so in the eyes of Indians, toilet paper is not allowed to be put into the toilet. At this time, many people have some difficult questions.

Visitors to India may find the local toilet customs to be strange and challenging to adapt to.  Image Credits: Getty
Visitors to India may find the local toilet customs to be strange and challenging to adapt to. Image Credits: Getty

After going to the bathroom, they wipe themselves with their left hand.

In fact, their solution is to use their left hand to solve the problem, then wash it clean. Seeing this, many people who have been to India may regret one thing, that is, they may shake hands with generous people in India. But this is normal locally.

Toilet paper is considered a symbol of purity in Indian culture.  Image Credits: Getty
Toilet paper is considered a symbol of purity in Indian culture. Image Credits: Getty

However, in India, for some people with better family conditions, there will be a tap next to their toilet. This pipe is used for cleaning. What would you think if you saw this?