'Chhabeels' are counters put up along roads where water and milk are mixed with essence and sweetener, which is offered to thirsty people, motorists included. Hundreds of 'chhabeels' dot highways where people can quench their thirst in the scorching summer heat. Year on year this tradition provides a soothing relief all over Punjab, and has since spread to many other parts of northern India, Delhi included.
The water is offered to all, irrespective of one's religion. These 'chhabeels' are mostly put up around gurudwaras where young and old people can be seen enthusiastically requesting people to stop and partake the sweetened water-milk combo.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness and occurs when the body gets too hot. Heat exhaustion occurs due to dehydration and loss of electrolytes through the skin.
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Tarsem Singh, a granthi (religious preacher) in Ropar town, said, "Chhabeel is a religious tradition that has been followed for hundreds of years. In peak summers, the event coincides with the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev (the fifth Sikh guru). The concept is to offer the sweetened drink to people who are moving in the scorching heat."
Chandan Singh, a private sector employee in his 30s, said, "It gives a very nice feeling to offer sweetened water to people in this burning heat. Motorists and others get a lot of relief after taking it. This is a very good tradition. Even the younger generation feels happy to help out in this activity."
![Heat Stroke]( "Heat Stroke")
Heat stroke is caused when body temperature or hyperthermia exceeds 40.6°C or 105.1°F. Heat stroke can be triggered due to overwork during summer months and lack of perspiration.
The martyrdom day of Arjan Dev, who was tortured to death on the orders of Mughal emperor Jahangir in the early 17th century, is observed every June. Ravi Singh, a resident of Amritsar, said, "When I drove from Amritsar to Chandigarh this week, I saw well over 100 'chhabeels' in the nearly 250 km journey. The volunteers were enthusiastic about offering the sweetened water. I had it at least six times during the journey."
'Chhabeels' are organized on other days too that are related to the Sikh religious calendar. However, the maximum number of 'chhabeels' are organized in the summer months of May and June.
Source: Medindia
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is caused when body temperature or hyperthermia exceeds 40.6°C or 105.1°F. Heat stroke can be triggered due to overwork during summer months and lack of perspiration.
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The martyrdom day of Arjan Dev, who was tortured to death on the orders of Mughal emperor Jahangir in the early 17th century, is observed every June. Ravi Singh, a resident of Amritsar, said, "When I drove from Amritsar to Chandigarh this week, I saw well over 100 'chhabeels' in the nearly 250 km journey. The volunteers were enthusiastic about offering the sweetened water. I had it at least six times during the journey."
'Chhabeels' are organized on other days too that are related to the Sikh religious calendar. However, the maximum number of 'chhabeels' are organized in the summer months of May and June.
Source: Medindia
Intense Heat Wave and Lightning Claims Two Lives in Karnataka
A mason died due to the heat wave on Thursday whereas one person was struck by lightning on Friday, and three others hospitalized in Karnataka, India.
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 Delhi Government Ensures Arrangements In City Hospitals To Treat Heat Stroke CasesThe searing heat waves has killed over 1,400 people across India and so far, two deaths have been reported in the country's capital. | Advertisement
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