Should you thank the host after having dinner in India?

Dinner guests in Indian homes should generally not say "thank you" after a meal; this is actually considered rude, because it can be seen as a form of payment or an overly demonstrative gesture for something that is already understood. Those who want to show gratitude to Indian hosts should instead offer an appropriate gift to the host before the meal begins.

Gifts should be modest and should not violate any taboos, such as depicting dogs and other animals considered to be unclean. Red or yellow flowers or high-end chocolate may be a welcome gift, though the person giving the gift should make sure the chocolates are vegetarian and do not contain alcohol.