Chillums are a straight pipe with a narrow mouthpiece and a wider bowl at the other end, which are either made of glass, wood or stone. Chillums are usually 3 to 6 inches in length and are ideal for microtokes on the go.
Chillums have been commonly used by sadhus devoted to Lord Shiva as a way of being closer to higher powers. In the 1960s-70s, the chillum gained popularity with Western hippies who adopted it and took it back to the States. Since then, chillums have been used worldwide for both spiritual and recreational use, being embraced in places like Jamaica and South America.
In Afghanistan, the word “chillam” refers to the local hookah pipe variant while the bowl is called “sarchana”. The first hookah pipes appeared in Persia and the Mughal empire in the 16th century. The poorer classes used cheaper materials like clay bowls mounted on bamboo reeds that went into the coconut shell hookah bottle. This might have evolved into today’s chillum.
Chillums are a significant part of Indian history, said to have dated back to the 18th century. Although it is disputed whether they originated in India, due to findings of similar smoking pipes in parts of Africa, the earliest chillums in India were made of stone or clay. Despite this, their legality is still questionable.
LEGALITY IN A NUTSHELL
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 prohibits production and sale of canna flower buds, resin and any products made from these but smoking paraphernalia isn’t covered in this act, which includes Bongs, Pipes, Rolling Papers and most importantly to the discussion, chillums.
In some areas, chillums can be considered as drug paraphernalia. It's always ideal to check local laws regarding possession and use of smoking devices. Laws vary widely by region. Make sure to verify the legal status of chillum use in your area before purchasing or using one. Chillums are widely available online and in stores, though it's good to check on the legality.
Much like club soda can’t be banned when there are alcohol bans in areas despite being used primarily for mixing with alcohol, paraphernalia can’t be considered illegal. Chillum exists in this awkward gray area, which can lead to controversial cases.
CHILLUM STORIES IN INDIA
Just because the laws don’t specify chillums, it can still be unsafe, as seen in Vadodara in November 2019.
MS University’s vigilance squad searched three students of the university’s fine arts department on suspicion of them smoking contraband and found a chillum in their possession. They found nothing suspicious from the trio but when intimidated they confessed to smoking tobacco from the chillum. Hence, they got away with an apology letter to the university for smoking within campus.
There have also been a few cases of police raiding illegally run hookah bars and recovering chillums amongst other paraphernalia. The most recent case was in Panchkula in March 2025, where police raided Purple Frog Club where they recovered 7 chillums amongst hookahs and other items. The issue here? The club did not have a license to run a hookah bar. Two of the club operators were arrested. Similarly, in Jaipur 3 years ago, 5 youths were arrested after police raided 5 restaurant-cafes and recovered hookah, chillum, pipes and other items.
A more positive story comes from February this year when Khunti Guru was found two weeks after being presumed dead at the Mahakumbh stampede. He returned home to find his neighbourhood gathering for his tehrvi, the rituals performed on the thirteenth day after a death. So, what happened? He merely lost track of time smoking chillums with sadhus.
That’s why it can be argued that the chillum has more historic, cultural and religious relevance than other smoking goodies.
CHILLUMS AND RELIGIOUS TIES
Smoking chillum is most common among the naga sadhus, who are unclothed at the Kumbh even in the coldest weather. They stay warm by smoking chillum.
Sthanapati Mahant Ghanashyam Giri points out,
“On certain things our religion has no clear-cut directions. The tradition of chillum-smoking is one of them. Though I myself do not smoke chillum, I feel it may not be that bad. The purpose is to increase one’s ability to focus and strengthen one’s energy for meditation and penance. It is also supposed to reduce sexual desire. The purpose has never been intoxication. It is OK—if you control it, rather than allowing the chillum to control you.”
Truly wise words spoken. It’s true with any substance to consume in moderation and not let it control you. In Odisha, where the buds are legal, people are commonly found smoking chillums in regulation.
IN CONCLUSION
It’s important to consider the legal ramifications of chillum smoking. We advise you to check local laws and legislations consistently to stay up to date. And, of course, enjoy a good and safe smoking session.
