Here’s Why Bhang Is Consumed On Holi

Holi, the festival of colours is the time families and friends gather in large numbers, unabashedly dance on Bollywood numbers, play with colours and water, gorge on mithai like ghujiyas and ofcourse chug down mugs of Bhang. But in a culture, where even drinking alcohol in front, let alone with parents is frowned upon, how did Holi become synonymous with bhang? First of all, what is Bhang? What does it taste like? Well, let’s get you intoxicated in the world of Bhang. Read on for all the sweet deets.

What Is Bhang?

Bhang is a traditional Indian delicacy made using the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant. In fact, the term Bhang is essentially referred to the paste made by crushing cannabis leaves in hot milk. This is either eaten on its own or used to prepare drinks and dishes since 1000 BC in ancient India. It’s usually served after mixing it in milk with a mixture of almonds, cashews, pistachios, melon seeds, peppercorns, rose petals, poppy seeds. This rich, refreshing drink is consumed to give you a strong high on the most colourful festival of the year, Holi. Bhang Milkshake, Bhang Lassi or Bhang Thandai, call it what you may, this drink looks like a green smoothie. And it has a grassy, sweet, nutty taste, which is quite distinct.

Also Read: 5 Restaurants That Are Offering Holi-Special Delicacies In Bangalore

How Is Bhang Associated With Holi?

Lord Shiva’s connection with cannabis is not unknown. Many devotees of Lord Shiva consume Bhaang during Mahashivratri. Cannabis is believed to be Lord Shiva’s favourite food and even offered as prasad to devotees at the Mouneshwara temple in Karnataka. An interesting story suggests that Lord Shiva slept under a leafy plant after a tiring day. After he woke up, his curiosity about the strange plant led him to chew the leaves of the plant, which was actually the Bhang shrub. It instantly rejuvenated him and that’s how cannabis made a special place in Lord Shiva’s heart. That was Lord Shiva’s association with cannabis, But why is it consumed on Holi?

Also Read: 5 Holi Parties In Bangalore For Unlimited Food And Fun

Well, there’s another unexplored story that will answer this question. Lord Shiva went deep into meditation after his wife Sati self-immolated. Parvati wanted to enter Lord Shiva’s wife, and she sought the help of Kamadeva. But Kamadeva knew that disturbing Lord Shiva’s deep trance would end in dire consequences. But in order to bring back Lord Shiva to the real world, he decided to do it for the greater good. Kamadeva struck an arrow at Lord Shiva, enchanting him in Parvati’s love. Perhaps like Cupid’s arrow. Thus Lord Shiva, came back down to earth, falling in love with Parvati. He returned to the real world on the day of Holi. And this was celebrated with his favourite- Bhaang.

Also Read: India’s First Hemp Cafe In Kasol Serves Hemp Infused Coffee & Food With Mountain Views

What Are Some Bhang-Infused Delicacies?

Apart from Bhaang Thandai, that’s a popular milk-based bhang drink, there are also other ways Bhang is consumed on Holi.  A yoghurt-based “Bhaang ki Lassi” is made that’s refreshing for a scorching hot day. It’s a brew of milk, curd, sugar, dry fruits, sugar and ofcourse cannabis. Crispy Bhang Pakoras and Bhang Ghujiyas, where sweet ghujiyas are filled with bhang, instead of mawa, are also popular bhang-infused delicacies. The celebrations are further taken to higher levels with “bhang golis” ( bhang tablets) or smoking cannabis plants.

Well, now that you know the connection between Bhang and Holi, are you ready to chug down a mug of Bhang and scream Holi Hai?