UP: Brutal 'Nautapa' heat spell begins; authorities devise ways to beat soaring temperatures

At one location, a large pedestal fan has been installed near a transformer, with water continuously sprayed over it through pipes to keep its temperature under control.We are repeating the cooling process every half an hour so that the transformer does not overheat and break down in this extreme heat, an electricity department worker said.Even machines, it appeared, were struggling against the relentless summer.In the temple town of Ayodhya, the onset of Nautapa carries religious significance.

Uttar Pradesh on Monday entered the phase of 'Nautapa' - a nine-day period regarded as the most intense spell of summer heat with temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius in several districts and authorities stepping up measures to tackle heatwave conditions across the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh on Monday and Tuesday. Western regions of the state are also expected to experience heatwave conditions during the daytime, along with warm nights in both areas.

IMD's data for the day gone by showed Banda recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 46.8 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, followed by Orai, Jhansi and Prayagraj at 45.6 degrees Celsius, while Agra recorded 45.4 degrees Celsius.

Locally known as 'Nautapa', this nine-day period begins with the Sun's entry into the Rohini constellation and is traditionally associated with the peak of summer heat. Although it has cultural ties to ecological balance and seasonal transition, the period often brings harsh daytime conditions that disrupt daily life.

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued advisories urging people to avoid outdoor activities between noon and 4 pm unless necessary. Residents are encouraged to wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated with seasonal fruits and fluids.

Hospitals and health centres across the state have been advised to remain on high alert due to the rising temperatures.

Across Uttar Pradesh, both authorities and residents were seen adopting innovative measures to cope with the blistering heat.

In Lucknow's busy Hazratganj area, green shade cloths have been installed above traffic signals to provide relief to commuters forced to wait under the scorching sun. Near the city's 1090 intersection, government agencies were seen spraying water mist on roads during the day to bring down ambient temperatures and offer some respite to passersby.

In Gonda district, electricity department workers have implemented unusual strategies to prevent transformers from overheating amid increasing power demand. At one location, a large pedestal fan has been installed near a transformer, with water continuously sprayed over it through pipes to keep its temperature under control.

''We are repeating the cooling process every half an hour so that the transformer does not overheat and break down in this extreme heat,'' an electricity department worker said.

Even machines, it appeared, were struggling against the relentless summer.

In the temple town of Ayodhya, the onset of 'Nautapa' carries religious significance. Priests and devotees perform rituals aimed at providing ''cooling relief'' to deities during this oppressive weather.

Pawan Das Shastri, general secretary of the Ayodhya Sant Samiti, said 'Nautapa' is considered a spiritually significant period in Sanatan tradition.

''When the Sun enters the Rohini constellation during the month of Jyeshtha, the following nine days are called 'Nautapa'. Religious belief holds that charity, rituals and spiritual practices performed during this period yield manifold benefits,'' he told PTI Videos.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, children on summer vacation are finding relief from the heat by participating in a swimming camp organised at Darbhanga Ghat along the River Ganga. Conducted in evening batches under trained supervision, the camp has drawn enthusiastic participation from children and support from parents, who described swimming as both a life skill and a welcome escape from the intense heat.

The IMD has said maximum temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged over the next three days before falling by 6-8 degrees Celsius later in the week.