The etiquette of Indian dining and socializing varies with the region in India. All Indians wash their hands thoroughly prior to dining, then eat with their fingers, with the use of minimal cutlery (practice followed in some parts of India, in other parts cutlery use is common). This practice is historic and premised on the cultural premise that eating is a sensual activity, and touch is part of the experience along with the taste, aroma of the food, and its presentation such as on a thali, or on a large plate made from washed banana leaf (used in south), or stitched and washed siali (used in the north) leaves. Traditionally, the fingers are also used to feel the temperature of the food to one's taste and to combine flavors. When eating rice, it is mixed with curry, picking up small quantities with the fingers and pushing it into the mouth with the thumb. When eating bread, small portions (roti, naan) are folded into a small pocket to scoop the desired amount of curry. Most food is prepared to be bite-sized, but when large items such as a chicken leg are served, it is acceptable to eat with one's hands. Traditionally, sitting down together on floor mats in comfortable clothes is the norm. In restaurants and hotel settings, tables and chairs are typically used these days. Modern, upper-middle-class homes also do the same. In many areas, when eating with the help of one's fingers, only one hand is used for eating (the dominant hand), and the other remains dry and only used to pass dishes or to serve or drink water. In many cases, strict vegetarian and non-vegetarian people eat together, but the etiquette is not to mix cooking or serving utensils between the foods, to respect the spiritual beliefs of non-violence to animals prevalent among the strict vegetarians. Similarly, cleanliness and hygiene are important. While cooking, the cook does not taste food and uses the same utensil to stir the food. Once the food is tasted with a utensil, it is put away to be washed. Food which has been dipped with fingers and cutlery used for eating is considered jootha or Uchchhishta (contaminated). The precept of not contaminating all the food or a drink with bacteria or viruses in one's saliva is of particular concern as the health of someone could be threatened through cross-contamination. Indian food incorporates numerous