Bidis, made of uncured tobacco rolled into leaves tied with a thread at one end, dominate the smoking tobacco market in India. Compared to hookah (and later, Chillum), bidis provided an easier and more portable means for individuals to smoke tobacco that was beyond the confines of castes. 

Among women, bidis are the most prevalent form of smoking tobacco. Being cheaper, bidi use is more concentrated among lower socioeconomic groups. Some believe bidi smoking to be less harmful than cigarette smoking, which is untrue. Bidi smoking is associated with similar health hazards as cigarette smoking, including a greater risk of cancers, heart diseases, lung diseases, and several other illnesses. 

This sketch depicts a woman pilgrim at the Gangasagar Mela, the second-largest congregation of Hindu pilgrims after the famous Kumbh Mela, and is based on a photograph (CC license) by Biswarup Ganguly.