Direct sun entering through windows can quickly heat interiors. Use thick curtains, bamboo blinds, or reflective shades during peak hours to block harsh rays. 

Switching to breathable fabrics indoors can also help. Replace heavy upholstery, rugs, and bedsheets with cotton or linen. These materials stay cooler and improve air circulation.

Open windows and doors during early mornings and late evenings to allow fresh air to flow through your home. Creating a cross breeze helps push out warm air and bring in cooler air naturally. 

Reduce indoor heat by limiting the use of heat-generating appliances like ovens, irons, and even incandescent bulbs. Opt for LED lights and try to cook during cooler parts of the day.

Plants release moisture into the air and can make rooms feel fresher. Options like areca palm, aloe vera, and snake plant are low-maintenance and suitable for Indian homes.

Insulating your home can make a big difference. Simple measures like sealing gaps around doors and windows or using heat-resistant paints on rooftops can prevent excess heat from entering your home. 

Lightly sprinkling water on floors or placing a bowl of water near windows can create a cooling effect. In some homes, khus mats are used on windows which sprinkled with water release a cool breeze.