Beyond Bromance: The Beautiful Tradition of Indian Men Holding Hands
As you stroll through the busy streets of India, you may notice something quite unusual – men holding hands. Pretty common, right?
Move over, high-fives, and fist-bumps – Indian men have their own unique way of showing brotherly love: holding hands! But why do Indian guys hold hands? Let’s find out.
Why Do Indian Men Hold Hands?
In India, it is quite common to see Indian guys holding pinkies or holding hands while walking down the street or sitting together on a park bench. It’s a traditional way of expressing non-sexual affection, friendship, and camaraderie.
For those unfamiliar with this cultural norm, it might seem strange or even make them feel uncomfortable. However, for Indian men, holding hands is a gesture of non-romantic affection that signifies a deep bond between two people.
Unlike in many Western cultures, where physical touch between men is often limited to a handshake or a pat on the back, Indian men are more tactile in their interactions. Holding hands is just one of the many ways they express their emotions and show their love and support for one another.
In one of his travels to India, Vincent Dolman, a British fashion and celebrity photographer, clicked some heart-touching pictures of Indian men holding hands and was highly intrigued. He states that the practice of men holding hands in India is a delightfully unconventional gesture. His observation highlights the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences, particularly when it comes to physical touch and intimacy.
Is It Common In India For Men To Hold Hands?
In India, it’s common for straight men to hold hands. But why do Indian men hold hands?
It is a way of showing affection that is non-sexual to your male friend. This gesture is not an indication of a romantic relationship, it’s just a celebration of platonic love, friendships and brotherhood.
When guys hold hands, it shows their solidarity and exceptionally tight friendships. Although uncommon in other parts of the world, this Indian bromance gesture is pretty common in the streets of India.
You can see men casually gripping pinkies or clutching hands without having a second thought. This is a gesture of intimate affection but not in the same way as cuddles or kisses would be. It’s ironic in a way as masculinity is very rigid in India and being homosexuals is a taboo. But between these daily challenges, straight men continue to hold hands to commemorate their friendship.
Vincent Dolman said, “The minute I saw men holding hands for the first time I was intrigued so much. Later I took a photograph of a father and son by the gateway to India just chatting while the sun was going down as they held each other’s hands. It was a beautiful picture.”
According to Dolman, the sight of men holding hands was most ubiquitous in the most casual corners of the city. He said, “I found it really beautiful. It’s quite gentle and nice, I think it represents love and friendship. Much needed in today’s world, maybe the kind of love between men that we don’t show in western society because we are scared of not being macho enough or something. As a kid, you can hold your mate’s hand but when you hit your teens then it’s a no-no.”
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What Started This Tradition?
The tradition of holding hands is deeply rooted in Indian culture. It is a sign of trust, friendship, and loyalty between two people. From childhood, boys hold hands with their friends as a sign of camaraderie and brotherhood. As they grow older, this practice continues and becomes a part of their everyday interactions.
In India, holding hands is not viewed as a sign of homosexuality or any other sexual orientation. In fact, it is considered more appropriate for men to hold hands with each other than with women in public places.
Although studies claim that Indian men don’t show emotions, this small gesture may speak otherwise. Holding hands is like a non-verbal way of showing communication and Indian men are not afraid to express their emotions or show vulnerability with this gesture. Holding hands is just one way of doing so. It is a way to convey a sense of comfort, reassurance, and support. It is not uncommon to see men holding hands while walking through a difficult or stressful situation, such as a funeral or a medical emergency.
The act of holding hands is also deeply rooted in Indian mythology and spirituality. It can often be seen during prayers, marriages and even in portrayal of gods and goddesses. It is believed that holding hands can create a positive flow of energy between two people and bring them closer together. It has a significant impact on the human body as this simple gesture releases oxytocin and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
Men showing affection by holding hands is not just limited to India. There are also different cultures where men hold hands. In many Arab, African and Asian countries, guys hold hands as a sign of friendship and respect. This was seen in 2005, when former U.S. president, George W. Bush visited the prince of Saudi Arabia. He was seen holding hands of the prince while on a stroll as holding hands while walking is a sign of friendship in Saudi Arabia
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Beyond Indian Men Holding Hands
While holding hands is common among Indian men, it is not limited to them alone. Women in India also hold hands with their friends and family members as a sign of affection and support. However, it is more common for men to do so openly in public places. Women tend to do so in more private settings.
Despite its cultural significance, men holding hands is not always viewed positively by outsiders. In some cases, it has been misinterpreted as a sign of homosexuality or has been stigmatized as a behavior that goes against traditional gender roles. As per reports, gay men in India are afraid to show affection or hold their partner’s hands due to the taboo nature of homosexuality in India.
However, Indian men continue to hold hands without hesitation, knowing that it is an important part of their culture and a way to express their emotions without any negative connotations.
Now you know why do Indian guys hold hands. Holding hands is a beautiful cultural tradition in India that symbolizes love, trust, and friendship. It is a non-romantic gesture that allows men to express their emotions and show their support for each other openly. While it may be viewed as strange or uncomfortable by some, it is an important part of Indian culture that should be respected and appreciated.
So, the next time you see two men holding hands in India, don’t be afraid to smile and appreciate the power of their emotional bond – after all, love knows no bounds, not even in hand-holding!
Don’t be quick to judge – it’s not about sexuality; it’s about solidarity.