Now let’s talk about something bizarre; rather unpleasant and icky. It stinks; well, quite literally! This blog is about ‘Indian toilets’. 😛 Toilets in India are a justified concern for the tourists traveling to the country for the first time. Admit it or not, it is one of the most important functions of human body. Without going much into the details about defecation, let’s get straight to the point, shall we?
India is, in its true sense, a melting pot of East and West. This is evident from the toilets found in India. Basically, you’ll find two types of it – The Indian style and the Western style.
The Indian Style-
Many Indians still follow the age-old practice of squatting in order to poop. Scientifically, it is the best way to defecate as your thighs push the upper part of your body, thus increasing the pressure. Click here to read about the benefits of squatting.
Image source: Google Images
Seldom would you find toilet papers in the Indian-style toilets. You are supposed to splash water stored in a small-sized bucket with a mug placed near to it. You may air dry your bottom to avoid getting a wet patch on your lowers. Wash your hands with soap in the washbasin present in the toilet itself, and then pull up your lowers. If the basin is outside the toilet (well, ha-ha), pull your lowers back up first and then wash your hands outside.
This is the most hygienic way to excrete the shit out from your body as your skin doesn’t get in contact with the seat of the commode. Toilets in India should be included in your ‘to-do’ list
The Western Style –
The tourist spots in India have the facility of western style washrooms so that it becomes convenient for the travellers who are coping up with coming to terms with the Indian style of defecating. You’ll be comforted to know that 3 to 5-star hotels in India have western commodes with really hygienic and top notch facilities. Even if you’re visiting an urban family in India, defecation will be hassle free for you as the city peeps prefer pooping in western commodes. Peeps poops!
The only difference you’d notice is that Indian households do not have toilet papers; they have adopted the jet-spray washing technology. There are, again, 2 types of sprays – Bidet hand held sprays or the bum-guns and the Spray Nozzles which are inbuilt in the commode.
Bum guns are very common in the urban Indian toilets and rest on a holder attached to the wall near the commode. How to use it? Placed on the right wall of the commode, hold the spray bidet and place it between your legs. Now squeeze the trigger to release the water. Click here for the video tutorial. We recommend you to test the spray beforehand to check the pressure of the water.
Picture credits: HanvHome
Spray Nozzles, on the other hand, are inbuilt in the commode itself. You may operate it by turning the knob placed on the wall the other way. The force of the water is usually high, so test the pressure first by slowly turning the knob. Although the nozzle is placed at such a position that the water is focussed at the right place, you may jiggle wiggle a bit to ensure proper cleansing.
Image source: Google Images
Why don’t Indians wipe their bottoms instead?
Image source: Google Images
- The culture comes from cold countries and wiping bottoms in India will cause skin infections.
- Extremely unsophisticated and unhygienic way to clean oneself.
- Doesn’t eradicate germs.
- Spreads infection
- Leaves rashes
- Uneconomic to buy the paper
- Wastage of paper
Tips to live by
- You are recommended to carry paper soaps at all times. These are available at every pharmacy or chemist shops.
- Carrying a small soap in a case/pouch/ zip-lock baggy is also a good option because there are chances that rest of the strips of paper soap get wet and turn useless.
- Use sanitizers or hand wipes if you are running out of soap.
- To get the best of both worlds, water-clean yourself followed by dabbing or patting the dripping water with the toilet paper.
- Carry toilet paper covers if you intend to use a sit-down toilet.
- DO NOT eat spicy food. JUST DON’T!
- Do not eat street food in summers.
- The price to access the public toilets in India range from Rs 2 – 5; keep change to avoid coming in contact with contaminated coins.
If you have any doubts, leave your questions in the comment section below or email us at info@wildnest.in.
