Meteorologists have already warned that this time around, it will be hotter than usual in Kerala. Its symptoms have also started to be felt. Malayalis will not forget the extreme heat of last year that easily. The heat experienced in March and April is already being felt. Even with a fan, it is getting difficult to sleep indoors. People having AC show reluctance to turn it on due to frequent increases in current charges.

In this situation, what if there is a way to cool your house without spending anything? Although the idea is quite old, many people have tried it with good results. All you need is some palm leaves, jute bags, and enough water. If you want to cool the whole house, you will need more of these. Lay the jute bags and palm leaves on the terrace in the area you want to cool. If you can put them on thick, that's better. If there are drains for water to flow out from the terrace, ensure they are sealed off so that water does not leak. Then fill the terrace with water.

Enough water is needed to submerge the thatch and sack. More water will be needed for the first couple of days. As the thatch and sack soak well, the terrace will cool down completely. Subsequently, the rooms will cool down as well. The best time to water the terrace is after sunset. In some places, bricks are also used along with the thatch and sack.