Bihar heatwave: Patna residents turn to traditional drink 'Sattu' as temperatures cross 45 degrees Celsius
Patna, May 24
As severe heatwave continues to grip Bihar, residents in Patna are turning to the traditional summer drink 'Sattu' to beat the scorching temperatures, with mercury levels consistently hovering around 45 degrees Celsius across the state capital.
While many people rely on expensive soft drinks and packaged beverages during summer, Sattu, a traditional drink made primarily from roasted gram flour, has emerged as a preferred and affordable remedy for people seeking relief from the intense heat.
Across Patna, Sattu stalls are witnessing heavy crowds as locals flock to the outlets to cool themselves and regain energy amid the sweltering conditions.
Residents said the ongoing heatwave has made it essential to consume cooing drinks that help the body withstand extreme weather conditions. They added that Sattu not only cools the stomach but also provides the stamina required for outdoor work under the blazing sun.
Speaking to ANI, Sattu vendor Sudheer Kumar said his stall receives thousands of customers every day during the summer season.
"Not less than 5,00 customers come here per day, even though today is Sunday. If it were Monday, it would be even more. The benefit of drinking Sattu is that it keeps the stomach cool and gives some energy. It has a high lemon content. Customers are here from morning till evening. It has reached 40-45 degrees. People's feedback is that they are getting relief after drinking it. Come to Biscomaun and drink Sattu; we are providing it for only 15 rupees a glass with RO water. This stall is famous by the name of Bhola ji. I am his son. My name is Sudheer Kumar," he said.
Local resident Munna Sharma described Sattu as highly beneficial during extreme weather conditions.
"It's very necessary for the body; it works like glucose. The heat is increasing so much; everyone should drink it. The body will remain healthy, and the stomach will remain cool. Many people faint due to the heat, so one should keep drinking watery substances," he told ANI.
Another customer, Raja, also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during the heatwave. "The heat is so much; it's 45 degrees in Patna right now. One should go outside only if necessary. Sattu is very beneficial because it increases the water level in the body and gives relief from the heat," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate the tradition but we also need the government to set up more water coolers and shaded areas for labourers who can't afford even 15 rupees. Extreme heat like 45 degrees can be deadly - last year 50 people died in Bihar due to heatwave. Sattu is good, but we need systemic solutions too.
Impressive how local innovation thrives in adversity. In the US we'd just crank up the AC and complain about the electricity bill. This is resourcefulness at its finest - turning humble chickpea flour into a lifesaving drink. Respect to the vendor serving 500 customers a day!
Sattu is life! 🫶 I make it at home with roasted chana, a pinch of black salt, and fresh pudina. But can we talk about how dangerous these heatwaves are getting? 45 degrees in Patna is no joke. Everyone should stay hydrated and avoid stepping out between 12-4 PM. Be safe, fellow Biharis!
The real heroes are these street vendors keeping our traditions alive while providing affordable nutrition. But honestly, 15 rupees for a glass with RO water in this economy? That's brilliant business sense. Sudheer Kumar is running a better operation than many corporate outlets. 👏
My colleague from Bihar always says 'Sattu is the original energy drink' and I finally understand why. It costs a fraction of what we pay for Gatorade and has more protein. The West is rediscovering what Indians knew for centuries - simple natural solutions work best. 🧠
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.