Heat Wave Drives Surge in Demand for Traditional Clay Pots Across Roadside Markets as Consumers Turn to Natural Cooling Solutions

Bhubaneswar, May 08: As daytime temperatures continue to rise, the intensity of heat is also increasing. Keeping the summer season in mind, various heat-relief products and cold beverages are now widely available along roadside stalls across the city.
Among these, clay utensils have become especially popular this season, with vendors setting up stalls at several busy junctions. A variety of earthen products such as clay pots, water filters, clay bottles, glasses, and even “clay refrigerators” are being sold based on demand.
These products are being widely sold at major intersections in the capital, including Khandagiri, Jagamara, CRPF Square, Kalpana Square, and Rajmahal Square. Prices vary according to size and type—for example, clay pots cost around ₹80, water filters range between ₹220 to ₹300, glasses cost ₹50, and clay water bottles are priced at ₹120.
Due to the summer season, demand for these items has increased significantly. According to vendor Nil Kamal Mandal, who has been running this business in Odisha for 17 years after coming from Kolkata, these clay products are brought from places like Siliguri, Bidhannagar, and Darjeeling and sold in Odisha.
He said that the designs of these products are not commonly made by local potters in Odisha, and customers prefer the outside-made products more, leading to higher sales. Some customers also feel that these items are more durable compared to locally made clay products.
Demand for Bamboo Screens in Summer
In the summer heat, bamboo screens (locally known as benachhera) are also in high demand along roadside markets in the capital. Many people may not be familiar with these products. They are mainly used during the summer season to keep homes cool by blocking hot air from entering and maintaining a cooler indoor environment.
These bamboo screens are made from bamboo sticks and are sold at around ₹80 per square foot.
A vendor, Chapa Rao, who sells and makes these screens along roadside stalls in the capital, said he learned the craft from his father during childhood. He continues this traditional work even today.
However, with the increasing use of air conditioners and coolers in households, demand for bamboo screens has slightly declined compared to earlier times. Still, he has not stopped making them. From early April, customers have slowly started purchasing them again, and he produces around 3 to 4 pieces per day.