Why do Hindus touch the feet of their elders?

In Hinduism, it is customary to touch the feet of the elders in the family and in the community, especially on special occasions like festivals, weddings, birthdays or when departing on a trip.

Bending down to touch the feet of another is the abbreviated version of what is called a Saashtaanga Namaskar where you lie flat on the ground on your stomach to touch their feet.The word saashtaanga means 'with complete body'. This kind of complete prostration is normally done by men while women offer saashtaanga namaskar by kneeling and then bending forward, almost like in the child's pose in yoga. 

Why do Hindus prostrate before elders and gurus or teachers? This prostration is a gesture symbolizing our respect for their age and stature, and an acknowledgement of their maturity and wisdom.We seek their blessings (aashirvaadam/aashirvaad) and best wishes. When they bless us by placing their hands on or above our heads, positive energy flows from them to us.When they verbalize their aashirvaadams (blessings), the words  reverberate in the Universe where, it is believed, there are angels, listening, who respond by saying "tathaa astu", meaning 'so be it!' An atmosphere charged with warmth and goodwill is created and positive vibrations engulf all present . 

Though normally it is the younger ones who touch the feet of the older people, there are exceptions.This kind of prostration is also offered  as a sign of respect for a person's knowledge, or position. For example, you might see people touching the feet of the priest at Hindu ceremonies or at temples, irrespective of age.This symbolizes respect for his position as religious guide and for his role as conduit between us and God.  

During Navratri, the nine day festival celebrating the various forms of Shakti the mother Goddess, people often touch the feet of very young girls who are maybe 8-9 years old, as they are looked upon as the pure embodiment of the Devi or feminine divinity. 

Elders often bless with words like:

"Sadhaa sukhi raho" ( May you always be happy and in comfort). 

"Deergha sumangali bhava" - Normally given to married women, this blessing means 'May you have a long and happy married life'. 

"Doodho nahao, pootoh phalo" - May you bathe in milk (figuratively meaning 'may you prosper') and may your family grow. This blessing  is normally given to newlyweds.

One of my friends explained something to me one day. Whenever we visited their home for any pooja she would touch our feet and offer us some fruits to take with us when we were about to leave. She is older than  my husband and me, and so we found it very awkward when she touched our feet. We tried to tell her not to do so. She then said to us that she touches our feet as a sign of respect for the divinity that resides within us. 'Athithi Devo Bhava' *. The gesture, she said, reminds her to put her ego aside and be humble. 
What a beautiful thought! And a wonderful exercise in humility! 

Meera Sharma
http://hindushlokasforkids.blogspot.com/

*'Athithi Devo Bhava' - Guest is akin to God. Please see earlier post on this topic.