As I sit in my drawing room at 7 AM on what is supposed to be a “fine” summer morning in Delhi, sweat rolls down my face even before my first sip of water is done. The fan spins lazily above me, and the air conditioner stands defeated by the sheer force of rising temperatures. I find myself asking—isn’t it too early in the day to feel this hot? My mind races to a deeper fear: what if the continuous use of AC sparks an electrical failure, something we’ve already seen happening around the city?
Later, while driving through the simmering streets, I catch myself worrying—not about traffic, but about the very tyres of my car. They seem like they’re melting into the asphalt. The other day, I saw a car ablaze on the road, its bonnet engulfed in fire—likely triggered by the ruthless sun. That moment sealed it for me: climate change is not a future threat—it is our present crisis. We are not just heating the planet; we are heating ourselves into helplessness.
And yet, amid this growing discomfort, I can’t help but feel—we had it figured out once. Maybe the answers aren’t new inventions, but old ones we’ve abandoned. The solutions might not lie in machines, but in mud, shade, and seasonal wisdom. As Delhi becomes a furnace, it’s time we return to time-tested ways of cooling down—not just our homes, but our lives.
From AC to Cooler to Clay: Trust the Earth
Before the age of industrial fans and remote-controlled air conditioners, our ancestors lived in mud homes and drank from clay pots. And they didn’t suffer the kind of heat stress we see today. Mud structures naturally insulate and regulate temperature. Even a small clay matka (earthen pot) keeps water cool without any electricity. It’s time we brought these back—at least in part. Use a clay pot at home, cook in earthenware, and allow nature to balance your body.
Hydrate Like Your Grandma Did
Yes, water is life—but in Indian summers, how you hydrate matters. Skip the soda and energy drinks. Try:
• Sattu ka sharbat – Protein-rich and cooling.
• Aam panna – Raw mango drink, effective against heatstroke.
• Bel sharbat – A gut-friendly, fibrous fruit cooler.
• Chaas or buttermilk – Great for digestion.
• Coconut water, sabja seeds in lemon water, or jaljeera.
These are more than refreshing drinks—they are ancient formulas designed for Indian summers.
Avoid the Sun When It’s Angry
Between 12 PM and 4 PM, the sun is at its harshest. If you must go out:
• Carry a water bottle.
• Use an umbrella or cotton dupatta.
• Wear a cap or scarf and breathable sunglasses.
• Choose shade over speed.
Protecting your body is not a luxury—it’s a necessity in this heat.
What You Wear Is What You Feel
Loose, cotton or linen clothes in light colors reflect heat and allow your body to breathe. Avoid dark synthetic fabrics—they trap heat and cause skin irritation. Choose sandals over closed shoes, and if possible, carry a wet cotton towel with you—it works better than a mini fan sometimes.
Cool Your Home the Desi Way
Our grandparents didn’t need thermostats
• Khus (vetiver) mats on windows, when wet, release a cool, fragrant breeze.
• Rose water or sandalwood spray calms both the air and the mind.
• Bamboo curtains block the sun but allow airflow.
Instead of chasing artificial cold, create natural cool.
Eat What the Season Offers
Hot weather calls for cool foods. Embrace:
• Cucumbers, melons, gourds, leafy greens.
• Raita, curd, chaas with meals.
• Avoid heavy, fried, spicy meals. Keep caffeine and alcohol in check—they dehydrate you faster.Our digestive fire is already high in summer. Don’t stoke it unnecessarily.
