Chillum smoking involves using different hand positions to hold it. (Submitted photo/Rahul Patel)

By Jennifer Olson

rich history

Spiritual significance and practical benefits: Delving into the chillum legacy

Feb 7, 2024 | 3:51 PM

As recreational cannabis use continues to grow rapidly in Canada and the world, it’s important to understand parts of global history and culture where cannabis consumption holds great significance.

Cannabis educator Rahul Patel of Toronto has a mission to share the culture and history of a unique smoking device – the chillum. Patel organises educational events in support of cultural awareness and promotes local and international artists who create modern renditions of the chillum in glass and other mediums.

The chillum (or chilam/chillen) is a straight conical smoking pipe traditionally crafted from clay or stone. Chillums are said to have originated in India in the 18th century, however, similar smoking instruments were found in Africa during the same time period, so it’s difficult to determine the exact origin.

In India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tibet, Nepal and also in Jamaican Rastafarianism where the chillum is referred to as a chalice, chillum use remains common and widespread. Patel described the chillum smoking process and outlined some benefits.

“Chillum smoking involves using different hand positions to hold it,” explained Patel.

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“Chillums are historically used for smoking hash, but many cannabis consumers use it for flower as well. There are different sizes ranging from 10 centimeters to 25 cm. The longer the chillum, the cooler the smoke will be, making a more comfortable smoking experience. Also, different sizes are to suit varying hand sizes. The way to clean a chillum involves no solvents or liquids. To clean it, there is a cloth called a safi, which in North America is called cheesecloth. The safi is passed through the chillum after every smoking session, which helps in improving the flavour of the smoke.”

Chillum use has a rich spiritual past with Patel noting some of the chillum’s Indian history.

“The oldest recorded use of the chillum dates back to an Indian sadhu named Al Faqeer in 1889,” Patel shared.

“It’s likely chillums originated from a king who modified hookah tops into a portable cylindrical form. Chillums are used during rituals called pujas, especially in Northern India. The Aghoris (a monastic order of Shaivite sadhus) smoke chillums to calm down after intense rituals. There is also a famous Qawwali song that mentions the chillum. Use of the chillum in temples and mosques highlights its cultural and spiritual importance.”

Patel aaded there are important benefits of using a chillum to smoke cannabis.

“Due to its shape, the traditional chillum provides a cooler smoke compared to other smoking methods,” Patel stated.

“It’s hygienic because it does not require direct mouth contact, and healthier because the use of a safi cloth around the chillum opening filters the smoke naturally.”

Today, the chillum is a part of religious rituals, pujas and other cultural practices such as the Rastafarian ‘grounation’ ceremony. It continues to grow in popularity amongst modern recreational cannabis communities.

Patel’s mission to provide chillum education helps to foster cultural awareness and appreciation amongst the cannabis communities, in honour of this traditional and notable smoking method.

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