Echoes of Punjab

This richly textured, handmade acrylic painting captures the soulful essence of rural Punjab—a land that breathes through its traditions, stretching across the borders of India and Pakistan. At the heart of the composition sits an old man, his face etched with wisdom and contentment, draped in the timeless attire of the Punjab countryside—a crisp white shalwar kameez, topped with a loosely wrapped chaddar (shawl) resting on his shoulders. His eyes, half-closed in quiet reflection, seem lost in a world of memories as he indulges in the ritual of smoking a huqqa (chilam)—a practice deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the region. 

The chilam, meticulously detailed, stands as a centerpiece of the artwork—its long, slender needle (narci) piercing the bowl where raw tobacco leaves smolder, while the water-filled base bubbles gently, filtering the smoke into smooth, aromatic puffs. The play of light and shadow on the huqqa’s metallic surface and the earthy tones of the handcrafted clay or wooden base evoke a sense of rustic authenticity.

The painting is more than just a portrait; it is a tribute to a fading way of life, where the huqqa was not just a habit but a companion in solitude, a bridge between generations, and a symbol of peace in the simplicity of village existence. Today, its modern counterpart—the sheesha—dominates urban lounges worldwide, but this artwork immortalizes the raw, unfiltered charm of the traditional chilam, where every puff carried the weight of history and the lightness of dreams. 

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas 

Style: Realism with Expressive Textures 

Mood: Nostalgic, Meditative, Warm 

A timeless piece that invites the viewer to pause, breathe, and wander into the tranquil world of Punjab’s countryside—where time moves to the rhythm of the huqqa’s gentle gurgle.