Indian toilets: How To Use An Indian Toilet
85It is said that when travelling in India it's generally best to stay away from the use of public toilets as they would have Squat style toilets. The toilets in the hotels would frequently provide Western styles as well as Indian style conveniences. However when one is out and about; one would be forced to use these amenities especially if one had a strong curry. It is therefore imperative to understand and know what to expect. Indian style toilets are also called squat toilets. More than half the world's population uses it. Simply it consists of a hole in the ground, located at the ground level and toilet paper is replaced with water.
Call of nature the natural way
The squatting position
If you a take a trip to India and other parts of the globe you may get a rude awakening too see INDIAN STYLE TOILETS also loosely described as the SQUAT TOILET. If you want to be in control you should read this to know what to expect if you are a travel fanatic and don't want to get caught amidst in the rough. SQUATTTING or toileting in the Indian way will also supposedly prevent COLON CANCER. More health benefits of squatting position
Indian toilet in the Indian railways: In such situations best is to grab the bars to avoid being tossed out of the door
The squat style is what Adam and Eve or Manu (the fist Indian man) must have used. It takes you back millions of years.
Informative resources on the web on Indian toilets: Best of the web on “Squatting”
Quite a few foreign visitors have a dread of Indian toilets. The squat-type toilets that are common in cheaper hotels are actually much more hygienic and healthier for the system than sit-down toilets. They just take a little getting used too. The most important thing is not to fall in. This seems self evident, but when the floor is slippery it is easy to do. You can get a nasty cut to your foot if you slip and the porcelain breaks along the rim. Carry on reading.
If anyone has been to India, undoubtedly this is a question that we have all found ourselves asking. Luckily, while visiting a bar in Kovalum, Kerala, they had the decency to explain this for us layfolk. Now, I have been to India three times and this is still something of a mystery for me (note: I admittedly cruised around with a nice wad of toilet paper in my pocket or day pack). I hope that this happy little illustration can clarify the matter. Enjoy. Carry on reading.
A squat toilet is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a hole in the ground. The only exception is a "pedestal" squat toilet (pictured here), which is the same height as a standard western toilet. Carry on reading.
Indian code of toilets: 1500 BC: Code for married people: An elaborate drill for defecation is prescribed in the most respected Aryan scripture - "Manusmriti Vishnupuran" written in the Sanskrit Language. Before going to the toilet the scripture prescribes elaborate drill. Before going for defecation one was to chant the following mantras. Carry on reading.
Now don't tell anyone because it is a little embarrassing, but I secretly like Indian squat toilets. Now come on, not the nasty ones you find in a railway station that have urine and excrement all over them, and not the ones that you might find in a curry house- for obvious reasons. Carry on reading.
Avoid colon cancer: start squatting. Oncologists have observed that 80% of colon cancers occur in the caecum and the sigmoid colon, the two areas that are not fully evacuated in the sitting posture. This causes fecal stagnation and probably explains why colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In traditional Asian and African cultures where squatting is the norm, colon cancer is virtually unknown! CARRY ON READING
How to use the Indian toilet for the first time foreigner in India
If you can't slide you pants to the knees and sit, then take your pants off and hang it on a clip or the hook most usually found on the back of the door.
Remember it can be slippery and mishaps do happen.
Crouch down and sit down in a squatting position (if you feel uneasy, try to remember the health benefits of squatting)
Squat to your hearts content.
After doing it open the tap and fill the bucket with water. Take a jug usually located nearby and fill it with water.
Clean your back-side with your left palm by pouring water in it and then rubbing gently where the sun doesnt shine. For the left handed foreigner use the right hand. Most Indian type squats contain a flush usually hooked to the wall so get up and pull the chain or the lever with the clean hand.
The most important step. Walk to the basin and wash your hands with soap or any detergent you can find. In most cases it's usually a soap called "lifebuoy" made by a British company called Unilever. Most Indians use this soap for cleaning their hands after pooing. It's supposed to be great in getting rid of germs and bacteria.
Once the hand is washed a minimum of 2 to 3 times, the hand is clean and you can take your pants off the hook and put it on.
Walk out the door feeling great and content.
Toilets in the news
- Hundreds vie for lucrative NY toilet jobs - Reuters
China Daily Hundreds vie for lucrative NY toilet jobs Reuters "I'll glue myself to a toilet for $10000," actor Carlos Lozada told the panel of casting agency judges who will select the winners of the national search. ... Would You Work in a Toilet for $10K?MainStreet Job Market Is Literally In The ShitterGothamist The ultimate potty humor job: Charmin to hold auditions for entertainers at ...SILive.com NBC New York -The Birmingham News - al.com -Trading Markets (press release) all 76 news articles » - 2 days ago
- An electric toilet sparks interest - Seattle Times
An electric toilet sparks interest Seattle Times Ed the Plumber: This week's topics are on electric toilets, water pressure and septic tanks. By ED DEL GRANDE Q: I have heard that now there are electric ... and more » - 27 hours ago
- Don't flush last chance for rebate: Money back on lowflow toilets offered ... - TMCnet
Don't flush last chance for rebate: Money back on lowflow toilets offered ... TMCnet Fewer people took advantage of the program during the second year, when the rebate was $125 a toilet, and during this final third year with rebates at $100 ... and more » - 17 hours ago
For the ladies
Although it must be said, for the ladies when urinating, it can be a little messy or can get wet if the right position is not achieved. It is possible to operate the squat toilets by simply drawing down the lower garments slightly under the knees. Many try to remove or completely undress from the waist to avoid accidents; there is really no need. Simply, the garments could be pulled down to the ankle area. However, if ones feels comfortable by undressing to achieve the squat position in this fashion, then it's a different story.
But the main thing is not to fall into it and feel relaxed and you will get the hang of it quickly and may even enjoy it. You may never want to put your bottom on a western style toilet again. Have you ever found yourself caught short of a bathroom and had to go behind a bush? It's precisely the identical technique.
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
Nice hub...educative in toilet variations Rudra!!
Excellent hub on an unusual subject, but worth knowing about! I came across a similar style of public toilet in Greece a few years ago.
It likely beats squatting over poison ivy or bees nests.
indeed :O
I find it difficult because of hip area trouble to go anyway.
I have learnt to live with it
Thanks for the preknowledge.
I used this type of toilet when I was in Saudi Arabia, it took me a while to do anything...it is so difficult at first but you'll get use to it....
The squat method is also used in West Africa!
What a delightful approach to a topic that is not always part of coffee table etiquette! Adored every word!
Smiles and Light
Great hub
Really very unusual but very very Important topic...
Very interesting! When I was in Japan, I lived in perpetual fear of the "classic" style toilets, as I even have anxiety about American-style public restrooms!! It's interesting to hear that it may prevent colon cancer, though. Great hub!
A delightful, much needed hub, lol! Forgive me for laughing, that is a kindergarten habit of mine, whenever this subject is brought up!
Good work!
Okaayy, a . . . Thanks for clearing up the subject! ; )
You were very descriptive. =)
We used to have such toilets all over Russia, too :) And still have plenty...
Thanks for the descriptive . . . people don't just stumble across this topic, they search for it!!!
nice work..am using such toilets for years....and benefits of sqat position is new to me thanks for the information
I could have used this hub the first time I went to Japan on business. I had no idea how to deal with these things.
Thanks for the useful and good information. I would say "Natural toilet" rather than limiting with India.
All Asia and Africa use this kind of toilets. It is funny but only West (not the American indians) uses this kind of toilets. It may be related to body structure. I think western people have different structure that would prevent them to use this kind of toilets.
I would assume (no science support, sorry) the upper part of the leg bones might be longer than the shin part (comparing with Asians).
Most natural and correct way I guess. Some people think that, western way is modern way. That is very wrong. Go back to history, you will find toilets at White settlers' castles have the wooden version of so called modern toilets. I visited an Amish house as museum, there was a chair with a hole in it with a drawer that would hold a container to dump afterwards. That would be more comfortable than what they have now :-) .
Pharaoh and his people always have pictures on the chair and Buddha and his people sit cross legs. This may have historical demonstration of the differences.
I haven't found an answer to THIS question:I have travelled a few times to India and avoided these toilets. I cannot work out how to keep my clothes on (I am male so think underpants & trousers here) and thereafter wash my backside afterwards while simultaneously keeping my clothes dry.The other alternative is to remove said clothing; but of course this means removing everything from the waist down and risk dragging them through the combined and accumulated filth on the floor. I'd be lucky if there was a hook to hang them on!Any clues here ?
WOW! - Like WAY too much information (just kidding!) - who knew one could write such detail about going pee-pee. lol
great hub!
Melanie
Hi Rudra Its very rare for a sagitarius to be speechless but I am geeeeeeez girl good hub~cool~cya
great hub...very original. many don't know they have options when it comes to toilet design.
Informative, though kind of falls in the TMI category, lol. Seriously I found it interesting, and these toilets are not only in India, I've been around the world and many countries use the same type of toilets. Thumbs up from me!
I really had to laugh at this post. I mean - it is good information for those travelling in the east. Here in China, most toilets are squat toilets, but if one is over 50 and not used to squatting in this way (I think it is something that you need to have practiced all your life), it is a challenge in more ways than one.
Here in China these toilets are common place, and we'd rather not use them, we westerners, so we have to learn where all the "good" toilets are. I agree though - re the health benefits of squatting, but very hard to do if you are older, and not as supple as young people.
Amazing post Rudra....i was laughing all along but by the end, i've come out a dozen times more knowledgable. Havent ever lived in India, so cannot say I'm too experienced with squat toilets, but the few times i've visited, well it was definitely an interesting experience. Not very comfortable, but the benefits are very interesting. I dont know because of my upbringing if i'd ever be able to adjust to squat toilets, but I've definitely gained a lot of information to make great casual conversation :D
Great posts, def gonna be subscribing to this hubber.
I just realized i didn't 'know squat' about indian toilet habits. *smirk* I have to hand it to you you know your sh** (was that bad?). In most of your hubs I see so much potential and amazing writing skills... I can't believe your not making money with them... but you soon will... tell me... do indians find it hard to smoke while on the toilet? Further more is it not called the john? are their other names for that toilet such as "Low 'rider'"? I have to stop.. sorry.
( ^ 8< please drive through to the next window.
I'm done. bye now.
Jerrico
lol its a pretty embarrising subject being indian myself, and yes in america we american indians still use water to wash our butts to mantain our hygiene and style of comfort. first we shit in the western style toilets, pull our shirts up and take off our pants, and find a close bathing tub nearby (which has a bucket of clean water, mug, and soap, if ur indian and cant handle the thought of just toilet paper) and take a mug and pour it through you privates and into your butt/rectum opening (the most easiest way to do it) you should also lean back so it can enter the anal opening after a while. after it is wet and prewashed, take some soap with your right hand and gently rub your butt with your hand. wash your hands over the running water with soap 2-3 times, take the bug and fill it with water to wash the soapp off your butt. then, wash every part of your legs and butt with soap and water to cleanse any germs that has splashed on your legs and butt(and feet.) take a towel and dry your legs and butt. there is no need to dry your rectum because it is only a bit wet (and that wetness is only water which will dry quickly).
at first itll take a long time, "butt" youll get used to it!
besides, the time is worth the comfort and cleanliness!
i preferably like washing my butt in westerns bathrooms rather than indian bathrooms because they are more comfortable and cleaner.
just if you all are wondering, i know im gross but seriously i think this is THE best way to take a shit!
lol its a pretty embarrising subject being indian myself, and yes in america we american indians still use water to wash our butts to mantain our hygiene and style of comfort. first we shit in the western style toilets, pull our shirts up and take off our pants, and find a close bathing tub nearby (which has a bucket of clean water, mug, and soap, if ur indian and cant handle the thought of just toilet paper) and take a mug and pour it through you privates and into your butt/rectum opening (the most easiest way to do it) you should also lean back so it can enter the anal opening after a while. after it is wet and prewashed, take some soap with your right hand and gently rub your butt with your hand. wash your hands over the running water with soap 2-3 times, take the bug and fill it with water to wash the soapp off your butt. then, wash every part of your legs and butt with soap and water to cleanse any germs that has splashed on your legs and butt(and feet.) take a towel and dry your legs and butt. there is no need to dry your rectum because it is only a bit wet (and that wetness is only water which will dry quickly).
at first itll take a long time, "butt" youll get used to it!
besides, the time is worth the comfort and cleanliness!
i preferably like washing my butt in westerns bathrooms rather than indian bathrooms because they are more comfortable and cleaner.
just if you all are wondering, i know im gross but seriously i think this is THE best way to take a shit!
lol its a pretty embarrising subject being indian myself, and yes in america we american indians still use water to wash our butts to mantain our hygiene and style of comfort. first we shit in the western style toilets, pull our shirts up and take off our pants, and find a close bathing tub nearby (which has a bucket of clean water, mug, and soap, if ur indian and cant handle the thought of just toilet paper) and take a mug and pour it through you privates and into your butt/rectum opening (the most easiest way to do it) you should also lean back so it can enter the anal opening after a while. after it is wet and prewashed, take some soap with your right hand and gently rub your butt with your hand. wash your hands over the running water with soap 2-3 times, take the bug and fill it with water to wash the soapp off your butt. then, wash every part of your legs and butt with soap and water to cleanse any germs that has splashed on your legs and butt(and feet.) take a towel and dry your legs and butt. there is no need to dry your rectum because it is only a bit wet (and that wetness is only water which will dry quickly).
at first itll take a long time, "butt" youll get used to it!
besides, the time is worth the comfort and cleanliness!
i preferably like washing my butt in westerns bathrooms rather than indian bathrooms because they are more comfortable and cleaner.
just if you all are wondering, i know im gross but seriously i think this is THE best way to take a shit!
I never even knew such toilets existed! Fascinating hub!
Glad to know that someone has the courage to approach the unapproachable subjects. Spend a lot of time in Asia, particularly China. Squat toliets are a challenge, as I have a metal plate and six screws holding one leg together. None of these are designed for the handicapped. No problem getting down to squat, but LOL getting up.
Indian railway toilets are worth avoiding, as you say (-:
great hub...very original
As Caspar said, you do still find the odd squat toilet in Greece, but they are very rare now!
I've used these in Gran Canaria on the camp sites. Can be challenging after a few beers. I always find the Dutch toilets a bit weird too.
Fascinating hub on an unusual topic! I had never given a thought about the diffrent types of toilet seats used over the world. Yet, surprised to find that the squat toilet is used in so many parts of the world!
Interesting Post! I have linked it to my post entitled
Cleanliness across Cultures: Complete Guide to Bathrooms in India
OK I'm down with the squat now ... Thanks for the informative lesson
I have been known to squat on a regular western toilet just for giggles. Some people might find it a bit dangerous. Once I did it and I shifted my weight a little suddenly and broke the hinges. Oops.
Thanks for that. Only know I know that the squatting toilet has the benefit of getting rid of colon cancer. Whilebleach is correct, this type of toilet is used all over Asia.
All A-OK until the part about actually washing where the sun don't shine with your hand and nothing in between! :-) Great hub!
I never would have guessed that toilets are so different around the world. I spend over an hour on one of the sites linked from here reading about toilets throughout history. I never thought the history of the toilet could be so facinating.
well! the only issue i face when ever i happen to use these toilets that squatting position restricts the blood flow in legs and when you stand after finishing the business it takes a while to get the blood flow to normal which is a little painful thing.
LOL.. Amazing ..I just never think about this topic before..I mean this is all about shit. unique hub I've ever seen
I have learned something here. Whenever I travel to India?
I won't have culture shock in this area. Thanks you just never know
Blessings
Its a Great piece of work!
I feel very passionate about this. Stupid, decadent, stiff and crippled Westerners who want to rule the world don't even know how to Sh.. properly. I lift the lid up, climb up and squat on my western toilet simply because defecating in the squatting position is so much easier on the system and healthier. In fact, I submitted an "idea worth spreading" to TED but haven't had a response yet. Here it is:
The SOTH (Squat-On Toilet with Hose) answers four questions:-
1. What is the purpose of life? Imagine, for a moment that the purpose of life was simply for us to fertilise mother earth with our faeces and urine?
2. How can we help combat the Obesity Pandemic? What goes in must come out, but does it? Squatting is the most efficient position for bowel movement but the average adult Westerner has lost the ability to squat. The SOTH solves the problem.
3. How can we save more trees? By no longer using toilet paper. Instead, using the built in shower/dryer of the SOTH instead.
4. How can we be responsible for our private waste? The SOTH comes with a waste conversion unit that produces clean organic manure.
I’m convinced there are many more good purposes for being alive than fertilising the soil but wouldn’t you agree that if only we could sort out the basics, then maybe... we would be in a “better position” to deal with other global problems.
I'm very glad to have found a niche for my idea.
Thank you Rudra
Iðunn says:
2 years ago
haha, this hadn't crossed my mind, but a good thing to know if I ever go to India. :)