Why do people in village areas cover their earthen pots with wet cotton or jute cloth?

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Answer

Explanation of Covering Earthen Pots with Wet Cotton or Jute Cloth in Village Areas

Village areas in many parts of the world still use earthen pots for storing and carrying water. These earthen pots are made of clay and are porous in nature. Due to their porous nature, they tend to evaporate water quickly, especially during hot weather. Therefore, it is common practice to cover these earthen pots with wet cotton or jute cloth. This is done for several reasons, which are explained below.

Prevents Evaporation

Earthen pots are porous in nature and allow water to seep through its walls. When the water evaporates from the surface of the pot, it causes a cooling effect. However, when the pot is empty, it tends to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which causes it to dry out and crack. To prevent this from happening, wet cotton or jute cloth is used to cover the pot. The cloth helps to keep the pot moist, which reduces the rate of evaporation and keeps the pot from drying out quickly.

Keeps Water Cool

Another reason why earthen pots are covered with wet cotton or jute cloth is to keep the water cool. The water stored in earthen pots tends to be cooler than the surrounding temperature, due to the cooling effect of evaporation. When the pot is covered with wet cloth, it helps to keep the water inside the pot cool. This is because the evaporation of water from the surface of the pot is reduced, which in turn reduces the rate of heat transfer from the pot to the surrounding atmosphere.

Prevents Contamination

Earthen pots are prone to bacterial growth due to their porous nature. When the pot is left uncovered, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can enter the pot and contaminate the water. By covering the pot with wet cotton or jute cloth, it helps to prevent the entry of contaminants, which helps to keep the water inside the pot clean and safe for drinking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the practice of covering earthen pots with wet cotton or jute cloth is an age-old tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation in many parts of the world. It is a practical and effective method of keeping the water stored in earthen pots cool, preventing evaporation, and preventing contamination. This simple but effective practice shows how people in village areas have adapted to their environment and have developed sustainable practices to meet their daily needs.

Answer

To cool the water faster

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