Why are people in Agra buying earthen pots during the heatwave?

Residents in Agra are purchasing earthen pots ('Matkas') to drink cool and pure water, seeking relief from the rising temperatures and heatwaves.

What is the IMD's heatwave forecast for East India?

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal due to prevailing heatwave conditions, with warnings expected to last for the next few days.

Is refrigerated water harmful during a heatwave?

Some consumers believe that refrigerated water can be harmful during summer, opting for the perceived health benefits of water stored in traditional earthen pots.

Home / Weather / Agra Swelters: Earthen Pots Make a Comeback Amidst Heatwave

Agra Swelters: Earthen Pots Make a Comeback Amidst Heatwave

23 Jan

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Summary

Agra residents are increasingly buying earthen pots for cold water during the heatwave.
Traditional matka water is preferred over refrigerator water for health reasons.
Multiple Indian states are experiencing severe heatwave conditions with orange alerts issued.

Agra Swelters: Earthen Pots Make a Comeback Amidst Heatwave

The city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh is experiencing a surge in temperatures, leading residents to increasingly rely on traditional earthen pots, known as 'Matkas', for cold drinking water. Sellers are observing a rise in demand for various types of 'Matkas', catering to local preferences and styles.

Customers are opting for 'Matka' water, citing its health benefits and suitability for the summer heat, contrasting it with refrigerated water which they believe can be harmful. This resurgence in traditional cooling methods comes as several parts of India grapple with intense heatwave conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued advisories, highlighting that East India, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, is currently the main heatwave zone. Orange alerts have been placed in these regions, alongside coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which are expected to experience heatwaves for the next five days.