Hookah: The Fading Symbol of South Punjab’s Social Traditions

APP

Multan: Once a staple in rural households across South Punjab, the hookah—commonly known as hubble-bubble—is now vanishing from the region’s social fabric. For generations, it served as more than just a smoking tool; it was a cultural artifact that fostered social bonding and community gatherings.

Malik Muhammad Arif, a resident of Nawabpur, Multan, noted that the hookah was central to daily interactions, where families and neighbors would gather in courtyards to share stories and pass the hookah around.

“The bubbling sound of the water provided a calming backdrop to our conversations, especially during gatherings of elders,” he said.

Serving hookah to elders was seen as a sign of respect, with the preparation process—a blend of flavored tobacco and coals—transforming into a communal ritual that symbolized hospitality and connection.

However, the rise of modern lifestyles and urbanization has led to a decline in its use. As Sheikh Saleem, a craftsman who has made hookahs for over 40 years, explained, “I have left the business because interest has waned.

People prefer cigarettes, which are more portable and easier to use.” The elaborate and time-consuming process of maintaining a hookah has become less practical in today’s fast-paced world.

Sheikh Saleem lamented the shift, stating that the communal gatherings once facilitated by hookah are fading, replaced by modern distractions like television and smartphones. “The decline of face-to-face interaction is evident,” he remarked.

Crafting a hookah is a skill passed down through generations, with each piece uniquely handcrafted from local materials.

Despite its artistic significance, Sheikh Saleem noted, “People now want things that are fast and easy to use. Hookah does not fit into this new way of living.”

As urban lifestyles gain prevalence, the customs and artifacts that once defined rural life are disappearing, leaving a cultural void in their wake.