ନମସ୍କାର

Usage Notes: “ନମସ୍କାର” (Namaskara) is a polite and respectful greeting in Odia. It is commonly used when meeting someone, welcoming guests, starting a conversation, or showing respect to elders, teachers and other people. It can be used in both formal and informal situations and is suitable at any time of the day. A common expression is “ନମସ୍କାର, ଆପଣ କେମିତି ଅଛନ୍ତି?” meaning “Hello, how are you?”

Etymology: The word “Namaskara” comes from Sanskrit namaskāra, derived from the root nam, meaning “to bow” or “to show reverence.” It expresses respect, greeting and salutation. Related forms are used in several Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali and Kannada.