Hookah parlors are fast catching up the vogue in Bangalore. The once popular pastime of Mughal rulers and rustic folk alike, "hookah" is slowly catching attention of the curious college-goers and the youth around.

As more and more gather around the traditional waterpipe, people see a renewed interest in 'smoking' and it doesn't stop here as customers continue to pile up in a beeline to enjoy a "long and relaxing" puff at cafes.

This slowly is making a way into moving in to households and parties as well, state some parlour owners.

Ashwin, who runs a hookah parlour stated: "Unlike a lit butt of cigarette that throws up a strong pungent odour, smoke emanating from a flavoured tobacco that has been ignited and cleansed in water settled in crystal bottoms (of the waterpipe), is extremely relaxing and pleasant."

He further added that close to 50-100 persons visit the parlour on weekends.