The Hubble-Bubble or Hukkan is a traditional smoking instrument belonging to the Bhil tribe from the western Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The whole apparatus is made from natural materials-with great reverence for nature by the artists of this tribe. It consists of a dry coconut shell, which is the main body of the device, and a wooden pipe that is carved into elegant shapes and sizes to fit into the shell. The upper section has a small hole in the coconut shell to allow air regulation while smoking. The wooden pipe itself becomes an art object, usually embellished with carvings and designs, representing the fine artistry and aesthetic sense of the Bhil artisans. The ritualistic smoking done in this traditional hubble-bubble is an intrinsic element of Bhil culture, chiefly for tobacco or herbal mixtures.
The Bhil tribe, spread all over Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, nonetheless maintains its glorious heritage through its indigenous tools and customs. The use of the coconut shell for the smoking chamber is an example of Bhil ingenuity in using simple locally available materials to fulfill all the needs of life.
The Hukkan is not just a smoking apparatus but also holds cultural connotations, primarily for its use during community gatherings, socialization, and also certain ritualistic ceremonies. The tradition of smoking from a hubble-bubble gets passed down from generation to generation, thus keeping it alive in the Bhil tribal customs.