PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
With temperatures rising in Dehradun earlier than usual this season, demand for traditional earthen pitchers has picked up across the city. They say they are going for a natural cooling option, which would also reduce electricity consumption, too.
A seller of such pitchers Jagmohan Kumar, who has his shop near Bindal bridge, nodded when asked about the increased sales. “Yes, summer has just started and yet the sales are more as compared to the same period last year. Daily sales are around 20 per cent higher than the corresponding time last year. Medium and large-sized matkas are in the highest demand and even tap-fitted variants and earthen cooking pots are selling well,” he said.
He added that aside from families, students and tenants living in PGs and rented accommodation are among his main buyers this year. “They say they prefer naturally cooled matka water to refrigerated water,” he commented.
Another seller near Court Road, Kunal Chandna said that the demand is steadily increasing with the continuous rise in mercury. “At present, around 10 to 15 earthen pitchers are being sold daily. Medium-sized pots are the most sought-after items because they are easier to handle,” he said, adding that young tenants and students are among his main buyers.
When asked to explain this market trend, the residents cited health and cost-related factors for the shift. Diya Chauhan said, “Matka water feels naturally cool and is easier on the throat compared to very cold refrigerator water.” She added that using matkas also helps reduce electricity consumption during the scorching summer months when the pressure on the power grids peaks.
Queried over the health benefits of drinking matka water, an Ayurvedic practitioner, Sunil Joshi stressed on the earthen pitchers’ proper maintenance. “Matkas are effective for natural cooling, but hygiene is crucial. The water should be changed daily and not stored for more than one to two days and pots should be cleaned every two to three days to prevent bacterial growth,” he said.
He warned that contaminated water or poor cleaning practices can lead to the growth of microorganisms. “The people should scrub the pot with coconut fibre, using salt and hot water, and let it dry completely in the sun,” he advised.
