As the temperature in Agra, Uttar Pradesh rises, people are turning to earthen water pots to drink cold water. The scorching heatwaves are driving up demand for these locally made “Matkas” which are known for preserving the purity and chill of the water inside. A variety of designs can be found in shops such as plain, colorful, caps and those from other regions in India such as Delhi, Kolkata and Gujarat. Customers are also talking up the benefits of Matka water as a healthier option to that which may be stored in a fridge.
The trend joins a wider pattern of reliance on traditional methods of keeping cool during a particularly hot season in India. IMD Scientist, Naresh Kumar, recently released advice on how to cope with and prevent the impact of heatwaves, suggesting that East India, notably Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, are experiencing significant heat wave conditions. With Vidarbha also expected to encounter a heatwave in the next few days, the IMD has issued heat wave warnings in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR and Haryana for the next three days with temperatures predicted to remain at 40℃ or above.
