Stay cool this summer with Khas Khas curtains and bamboo blinds- GetBengal story

As soon as the sun rises high in the sky, everything around feels like it’s burning. Summer holidays in schools and colleges are still some time away. But the weather department has already issued a heatwave alert across Bengal! Temperatures are expected to cross 40 degrees Celsius and may climb even higher. Staying indoors doesn’t seem to offer much relief either.

These days, many homes have one or more air conditioners. While ACs do give some quick comfort from the heat, they aren't a long-term solution. In fact, relying too much on air conditioners leads to more air pollution. As the number of ACs increases, the pressure on the power supply grows too. Instead of just cooling the room, ACs release a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Plus, running ACs for long hours causes a huge spike in electricity bills, something that’s hard for the average middle-class family to afford.

Even though global warming wasn't a major issue back then, summers were still very hot. During the months of Chaitra and Boishakh, strong, hot winds, known as ‘loo’, would sweep through. To beat the heat, people used to hang wet curtains or bamboo blinds at windows.

When the hot breeze passed through these wet curtains, it would turn cool and refreshing.
Offices and homes often used simple bamboo blinds and Khas Khas (in Bengali), which we have almost forgotten today.

‘Khas khas’ curtains are woven from a special type of grass called vetiver (the word comes from the Tamil term ‘vettiver’). When water is sprinkled on these curtains, they release a wonderful natural fragrance that fills the whole room. Khas khas curtains help block the outside heat and bring down the indoor temperature quite effectively. Moreover, Vetiver is completely biodegradable. Even when the curtains wear out over time, they can be easily recycled, making them an eco-friendly choice. Besides curtains, vetiver grass is also used to make Ayurvedic medicines, aromatic oils, and various handcrafted items.

On the other hand, bamboo blinds are a great choice for both cooling your home and adding a touch of beauty. They let plenty of fresh air in while keeping the room naturally cooler.

Your body and mind stay fresh because the bamboo blinds block the harsh sunlight but allow the breeze to flow freely. In contrast, using heavy fabric curtains, like silk or thick cotton, often blocks air circulation and traps the heat inside.

Unfortunately, the demand for khas khas curtains and bamboo blinds has dropped sharply over the years. As a result, very few shops still sell them. One such place is ‘West Bengal Khas Khas’ in Gariahat, located just opposite the Gariahat police station. Tucked away between colourful shops, the small, almost crumbling store continues to survive.

Raju Khanna, a staff member there, says, “Nowadays, hardly anyone buys khas khas curtains. A few people still pick them up to decorate their homes or offices, but most prefer installing air conditioners instead, it seems easier to them.”

However, simply hanging khas khas curtains is not enough. They require some care to maintain. Since they are made from natural materials, constant exposure to water can lead to the growth of insects, making the curtains unusable over time. So, what’s the solution?

“As an alternative to khas khas, you can consider curtains made with bamboo blinds,” says Raju. “While bamboo blinds may look similar to khas khas curtains, their making process is different. Instead of grass, bamboo fibres are woven to create these blinds. The blinds with thick cloth on one side help keep the room cool, while the ones without cloth allow air to flow through, preventing stuffiness on hot summer afternoons.”

Apart from Gariahat, you can find khas khas and bamboo blinds in various parts of the city and even online. Most of the shops that still sell them are new, offering eco-friendly bamboo blinds along with other types like fibre and plastic blinds. The older, permanent shops are becoming rare. Additionally, khas khas and bamboo blinds tend to be more expensive. But those who appreciate their value, don’t opt for any alternative.

Finally, it must be said that if you want to use an AC to beat the unbearable heat at home, go ahead. But at the same time, don’t forget about natural solutions like khas khas and bamboo blinds!