Why Do People Consume Bhang in Holi? Here’s the Answer

Holi is the favorite festival of many and is widely celebrated and enjoyed across the country. Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. People meet in great numbers every year on this day to play with colors, dance to Bollywood songs and eat delicious dishes and sweets. People also typically turn to 'Bhang' during celebrations to keep the festivities going. 

It's difficult to think of Holi without bhang. Holi, also known as the 'festival of colors,' has quickly established itself as India's 'high' or 'trance' festival, with revelers letting loose with a glass of bhang thandai in one hand and vivid colors in the other. 

What is Bhang? 

Bhang is a delicacy created from the leaves of the cannabis plant, which is native to the Indian subcontinent. 

The first reference of the hallucinogenic substance can be traced back to the 'Samandar Manthan,' when the gods gathered to churn nectar from the sea to save the planet from approaching catastrophe; some of the nectar spilled on the ground, and the cannabis plant was formed. 

But, given that cannabis is a prohibited substance in India, how is bhang so widely available? 

While the 1985 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act designates cannabis as a narcotic drug, forbidding its production, possession, consumption, or transit, it only designates certain portions of the plant as narcotic, such as the bud and resin. It cleanly omits the plant's leaves, which are used to manufacture bhang. 

Relation Between Lord Shiva and Bhang 

Bhang is also described in ancient Hindu literature such as the Atharvaveda as a stress reliever and a weapon for warding off evil. Shiva, according to tradition, was the one who discovered it.

Shiva, the meditating recluse, is closely identified with cannabis. Bhang is frequently served as a prasad at prominent Shiva temples during Mahashivratri and even on ordinary days. Shiva bhakts typically see marijuana smoking as a surrender to him. 

According to legend, Parvati sought Shiva's attention while he was deep in meditation after his wife Sati self-immolated, and she needed Kamadeva's help. Interfering with Shiva when he was in trance would be disastrous, Kamadeva realized.

Shiva, on the other hand, needed to return to the real world. So, for the greater good, Kamadeva took a gamble. According to legend, on the day of Holi, Kamadeva launched his arrow at Shiva, captivating him in Parvati's love but also causing him to be burned to ashes.

South India honors Kamadeva for his service and presents him with sandalwood on Holi Day to aid in the healing of burns. 

And so Holi became a celebration of Shiva’s return to the world, just as much as it’s a celebration of the harvest and the victory of good over evil. 

Ways to consume bhang: 

Bhang Thandai/ Lassi 

Bhang thandai or lassi is the most popular way of consuming bhang in India. It is made by mixing milk, curd sugar, cannabis, and lots of dry fruits. 

Bhang Pakoras 

Bhang pakoras are a lip-smacking delicacy that is a favorite among many. 

Bhang Gujiyas 

Bhaang gujiyas are sweet desserts filled with khoya and dry fruits with added bhang ki goli to make it even more refreshing.