The twinkling lights of Diwali are near and the season of parties and guests has begun at home. In such a situation, the question is whether shoes should be worn or not. According to Hinduism, Goddess Lakshmi enters the cleanest houses. So, at the time of the festival of Diwali, it is a big question whether guests should leave their shoes at the door or walk through their host's living room without getting nervous.
According to sociologists, removing shoes before entering the house is a symbol of respect and cleanliness. It's almost as if you're leaving your sorrows outside the door. Medical professionals say that shoes bring bacteria from the streets, so they should not be worn indoors. However, in Indian culture, Atithi Devo Bhava is believed, which says that guests are like God. So, the question arises, is it acceptable for a guest to kneel to remove shoes when entering your home?
As in, winter is coming now. In such a situation, it is not right to force the guests to take off their shoes, because it can make them uncomfortable. It is important to strike a balance between tradition and convenience. The Times of India conducted a survey and found that some people allow guests to wear shoes inside the house, while others do not allow such. Ultimately, it is up to each individual whether or not they want to allow guests to take off their shoes in their home.
What is people's opinion?
A resident of Mayur Vihar, Delhi said that when you enter my house wearing shoes, it feels as if he is walking on my heart. This is harsh on people who have to put on their shoes every time they enter or leave the house. Some people even match their shoes with their party outfits and forcing them to leave them at the door is like spoiling their festive fashion status. This is the reason why Rajat Sharma of Kailash Colony has a different opinion from Singh. He argued that it was not possible to keep so many slippers for the use of guests. We can get the floors cleaned as often as needed.
What Experts Say
Etiquette experts agree that removing shoes is an act of politeness and a sign of respect. Removing shoes is mandatory in some countries, such as Japan, while it is optional in others, such as the United States. Dermatologist Professor Kabir Sardana explains that germs and feces spread in homes through shoes, but for many families, this is not enough. They have no strict rules and allow guests to decide for themselves whether they will take off their shoes or not. Many people remove their shoes before entering their homes, but they do not feel comfortable asking their guests to do so.
As the final word on the subject, etiquette expert Sunaina Haq advised that it's okay to ask guests to remove their shoes, but it's all about how you ask them. There is no need for long explanations or excuses. It's your house, your rules. So, this festive season, you can keep socks or slippers aside for your guests, while maintaining the shine of your floor tiles.
Photo Credits: Google
