Nargu

Nargu, also known as a nargileh or hookah, is a single or multi-stemmed instrument for vaporizing and smoking flavored tobacco called shisha. The smoke is passed through a water basin before inhalation, which cools and filters it. Nargu use has a long history, with origins in India, and it later spread to Persia and the Middle East. It became popular in cafes and social settings.

The basic components of a nargu include a bowl, a metal body, a water bowl, and a hose. The bowl holds the shisha and charcoal, which heats the tobacco to produce smoke. The smoke travels down through the body and into the water bowl, where it bubbles. The user then inhales the cooled, filtered smoke through the hose. Nargu flavors are diverse, ranging from fruit and mint to more complex combinations.

While often seen as a social activity, nargu smoking carries health risks similar to cigarette smoking. The water filtration does not remove all harmful substances present in tobacco smoke. Concerns include exposure to nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. The act of sharing a nargu also raises concerns about the transmission of infectious diseases. Despite these risks, nargu use remains a popular pastime in many parts of the world.