The much-awaited (and feared) Indian Summer is here! With 2024 being our planet’s hottest year on record, the Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted an unusually intense summer in 2025. According to their official warnings, mercury levels are set to exceed expected values in the following months of April, May and June, accompanied by a rise in the number of ‘heatwave days’ in northern, eastern, central, and eastern peninsular India.
However, don’t be so hasty as to set the AC to 18° or flood the freezer with water bottles. Believe it or not, Indians have survived in the bittersweet tropical zone without electricity, coolers, and portable mini-fridges for centuries at almost zero cost! Furthermore, in light of the global climate crisis and the impact of refrigerants on energy consumption, it is more important than ever to find more sustainable ways of staying cool.
Here are a few things you can do to beat the summer heat, which are not only pocket-savers but also planet-savers:
- COOL AS A ‘KAKDI’: INTERNAL HYDRATION
Nothing beats the feeling of gulping down a cold beverage on a scorching day. But this year, skip the refrigerated sugary sodas. Instead, consider investing in advance in a ‘matka’ or ‘mann paanai’. Using the principle of evaporative cooling, the porous walls of the traditional clay pot allow water to seep out and evaporate, drawing heat and cooling both the stored water and the surrounding air. Also, step out of your comfort zone by whipping up delicious indigenous drinks like
Solkadhi: a refreshing, pink blend of ice, kokum, and coconut milk from the coast of Goa.
Aam panna: a tart green drink made by blending unripe mangoes, mint, and cumin, enjoyed across northern India.
Thandai: a milk-based concoction with added almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, and saffron, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Elaneer: a classic on the streets of southern India, tender coconut water straight from fruit to glass is sure to cool you down!
2. Khus the Heat Goodbye: Traditional Decor
Long before modern technology, Indian havelis had their ways of staying cool, which were both eco-friendly and affordable.
Khus or Vetiver is an aromatic grass woven into mats and curtains that cover the floors and doors of many homes to this day. When sprinkled with water, these curtains release an earthy fragrance similar to that of petrichor and cool cross-ventilating air naturally. They’re both functional and aesthetically pleasing and can add the perfect rustic charm to your urban home this summer.
In addition to this, clay walls and accent murals have a similar effect to matkas when it comes to toning down the edge of scalding air.
3. Hot days, Khadi ways
While fast-fashion brands fill your wishlists with polyester skirts and dresses, make sensible style choices with a blend of hand-spun Khadi cotton. Comfort no longer means compromising on fashion with the advent of many Indian small businesses bringing Khadi to your doorstep in a variety of colours, styles, and patterns.
In addition to its breathability and sweat-absorbent properties, investing in homegrown fabric helps you contribute to the lives of struggling native Indian farmers and weavers, who, after all, also have an equally hot summer to bear.
While these disclaimers are sure to set fear in the hearts of many Indians dreading the long summer days of soaring temperatures and disappearing rivers, take this as your sign to bask in the rays of happiness that the next quarter of the year brings. Use the time indoors to spend quality time with your loved ones(with a glass of thandai or two) and cherish the nostalgic joy of chiming ice cream carts, memorable pool days, and giggling children on the street!
– Renaisa Saratkar (Student)
Raashii Khanna
