Uses
In India, Namaste is a friendly greeting in written communication, or generally between people when they meet. When used at funerals to greet the guests, the verbal part is usually omitted. When the hand position is higher, it usually means reverence for worship. Thus, The expression with hands placed on top of one's head is usually the sign of utmost reverence or respect.
The aayubowan (meaning: wish you a long life) gesture is also a cultural symbol of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan hospitality.
In Nepalese culture, namaste is performed when a younger family member meets older relatives. It also varies depending upon social status and prestige. The person with lower status or prestige performs namaste first to show respect for the higher station the other person has achieved.
In Sikh scripture, Namaste, Namastung or Namastvung is referenced as salutation to the Primal being, the One God. The salutation is followed by an attribute respecting a quality of the creator of all religions, Akal. Sikhs also fold their hand as in Namaste, but their greeting is Sat Sri Akal.
In Sindh, Pakistan, the añjali mudra, though extremely rare, is still maintained even by Sindhi Muslims.
The gesture is widely used throughout Asia and beyond. It first (?) appears c.4000 years ago on the clay seals of the Indus Valley Civilization.Poor source
In Telugu culture, the gesture is known as "Namaskaramulu" or simply "Namaskaram," which are derived from Sanskrit.
In Tamil culture, the gesture is known as Kumpiṭu (கும்பிடு), which is composed of two words Kumpu (கும்பு) meaning 'to coup hands' and Iṭu இடு meaning 'to do'; while an equivalent of the salutation would be வணக்கம் (vaṇakkam) which is roughly translated as 'greetings.'
In Kannada culture, the gesture is Namaskara in South Karnataka and Sharanu in North Karnataka. Namaskara is derived from Sanskrit.
The brahmins of Tamil Nadu (India) use the Sanskrit word Namaskaram (नमस्कारम्) for the gesture. The usage of the same is also found across other brahmin people in southern India.
In Japan, the Namaste hand gesture is used in prayer and healing sessions and is called Gasshō.
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