5 Timeless Indian Tricks to Beat the Heat — No Electricity Needed

Summer in India can be relentless. Dry heat in the north, sticky humidity in the south, and power cuts just when you need relief the most. But long before air conditioners and ceiling fans became household staples, Indian homes had already mastered the art of staying cool — simply, smartly, and sustainably.

Using everyday materials like clay, cotton, vetiver grass, and handwoven fabrics, people crafted solutions that were perfectly suited to the climate and entirely powered by nature. Today, as temperatures rise and energy bills soar, these time-tested methods are making a quiet comeback — not out of nostalgia, but necessity.

Here are five traditional Indian cooling tricks that are as clever as they are doable, and might just be what your home needs this summer.

1. Clay pots

How it works:

The classic matka or ghadacools drinking water using evaporative cooling. Water slowly seeps through the porous clay and evaporates, taking heat with it, leaving you with naturally chilled water, no electricity needed.

Why it’s genius:

• Zero energy consumption
• Keeps water cool even during peak summer
• Adds a pleasant earthy taste

How to use it at home:

Keep a clay pot in your kitchen or balcony, ideally in a shaded corner. Change the water daily and place it on a raised stand for better airflow.

2. Chikankari hand fans

The fan we forget:

Before electric fans, many households used hand-held cloth fans, and some of the prettiest came from Lucknow, with delicate chikankari embroidery.

Why it worked:

• Made from muslin or soft cotton
• Light, breathable, and portable
• Offered air circulation and visual elegance

Try this today:

Keep a hand fan handy during power cuts or carry one to outdoor events. They're not just practical — they also support traditional artisans.

3. Clay fridge

What it is:

Also called a clay fridge or zeer pot, this setup uses two nested earthen pots with wet sand in between. As the water evaporates, it cools the inner chamber, perfect for storing fruits, vegetables, or even milk.

Why it’s still relevant:

• Keeps perishables cool for one to two days
• Ideal for areas with unreliable electricity
• Low-cost and eco-friendly

How to try it:

You can make your own mitti fridge or buy one from eco-friendly startups. Place it in a cool, ventilated area for best results.

4. Khus mats

What they are:

Made from vetiver grass roots, khus mats are hung over doors and windows. When sprinkled with water, they cool incoming air and release a calming, earthy scent.

Why they work:

• Reduces indoor temperatures
• Acts as a natural air freshener
• Can be reused every summer

How to use them:

Hang a khus mat on a sunny window or balcony. Spray it with water a few times a day for best cooling. You’ll feel the difference instantly.

5. Cotton clothes

The traditional wisdom:

Indian weavers have long crafted breathable cotton fabrics ideal for summer, from Bengal’s muslin to Rajasthan’s Kota Doria. Light colours, loose fits, and natural fibres were the default summer wardrobe.

Why it still matters:

• Allows skin to breathe
• Absorbs sweat and dries quickly
• More comfortable than synthetics

Your summer switch:

Opt for handwoven cotton or khadi over synthetic clothes. You’ll not only stay cool, you’ll also support local weavers and reduce microplastic pollution.

Bringing back mindful cooling

These cooling hacks may be old, but they’re far from outdated.

They’re practical, low-cost, and energy-saving, drawing on nature, tradition, and local know-how. And as temperatures rise, they offer a gentle reminder: staying cool doesn’t have to come with a power bill.

Start small — try one or two ideas at home. That clay pot or cotton kurta might just become your new summer essential.

Edited by Khushi Arora