One of India’s most vivid festivals, Holi honors color. It gathers individuals in a burst of music, dance, traditional treats, and many colors. Apart from the colours and water spray, one component has come to represent Holi—bhang.
Bhang has established itself in Holi celebrations from Bollywood songs to customary events. But how did this association begin? Why is bhang such an integral part of Holi, and is it even legal?
Bhang in India has an amazing history, cultural value, and legal framework, let’s dig into those.
What bhang is?
The leaves and seeds of the female cannabis plant produce a green paste known as bhang. In India, it has been used for its medicinal and psychoactive effects for thousands of years.
Do You Know How Bhang is Produced?
Harvesting includes gathering fresh marijuana seeds and leaves.
Soaking helps to soften plant material by immersing it in water.
Grinding: The wet marijuana is ground to make a smooth paste.
Mixing – These paste is next formed into tiny balls known bhang goli or combined with food and liquids.
Usually present in thandai, a chilled milk beverage flavored with nuts, spices, and sugar, bhang is sometimes added. Besides sweets, bhang pakoras, chutneys, and even snacks it is found in.
Ancient roots: Indian history and Ayurveda of bhang
The use of bhang in India dates several thousand of years digitally. References to holy plant are found in ancient Hindu texts including the Vedas.
A remedy often used in Indian medical practice
Ayurvedic experts claim several medical qualities for bhang including:
- Paining relief
- Lessening worry and stress
- Enhancing digestivism
- Managing sickness and vomiting
Its application in traditional medicine is also stressed by ancient Indian medical literature for healing several diseases.
British Bhang Report
The British were fascinated with the common use of bhang when they colonized India. Understanding its consequences calls for a report, which finally concluded:
Banning or trying to seriously limit such a holy and kind herb as the hemp would lead to much suffering and irritation everywhere.
This statement from the study emphasizes exactly how ingrained bhang usage was in Indian culture.
What connects Holi is bhang.
From Hindu folklore and customs, bhang’s ties to Holi originated. Most famous legend links Lord Shiva’s usage with itself.
The mythological story of Shiva and Bhang.
Lord Shiva descended into profound meditation after Goddess Sati’s self-immolation. Seeking help from Kamadeva, god of love, Goddess Parvati wished to return him to reality. Kamadeva, on Holi day, fired a bhang-laced arrow at Shiva to snap his trance. Enraged but Shiva returned to the real life later on married Parvati.
This story clarifies why bhang is taken during Holi—to mark the return of Shiva to the world and adopt a relaxed, happy attitude.
Holi festivities and bhang.
Especially in North India, bhang came to be seen as a symbol of Holi celebration over the centuries. People mix it into thandai, dance to folk songs, and get absorbed by the festive atmosphere.
In a BBC article, celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani referred to it as:
“The silky, spiced drink—flavorsomely and festive—enhances the sense of festivities and symbolizes the carefree nature of Holi.”
The Legal Status of Bhang in India
Indian courts have over the decades decided for bhang use:
Punjab and Haryana High Court:
Arjun Singh v. State of Haryana) – Consume cannabis leaves decided to be legal, although growing the plant is not.
The Karnataka High Court (2022) declared bhang does met not fall under the categorization of a forbidden drug offered by the NDPS Act.
Officially government approved bhang shops
Legalization of bhang sales in some states results government-sanctioned bhang stores in municipalities such:
In Varanasi (more than 200 approved shops)
Jaisalmer,
Pushkar
Particularly around Holi, these stores legally offer bhang-blended merchandise.
Effects and Warnings of Bhang Use
Bhang has the following impact:
- Slight ecstasy
- Heightened sensory perception
- Relax and relieve stress
- different timing sensory perception
Nevertheless, far too much use might cause:
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea, Headaches
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations.
Who might better not consume bhang?
- First-time users: effects might be unanticipated.
- Not good for fetal development: expecting mothers.
- Heart condition sufferers can elevate heart rate.
- For people already given anxiety, this could start paranoia.
Guidelines on safe bhang use
- Eat moderately.
- Stay hydrated
- Consume meals before having bhang-enriched thandai.
- Keep off mixing with alcohol
After Holi, bhang: its cultural and religious value
Though Holi is still the most well-known event for bhang use, it also has meaning in:
- Shivratri – Devotees consume bhang to pay respects to Lord Shiva.
- Religious Practitioners—Saints and sages take bhang.
- Used in indigenous herb therapies, ayurvedic methods provide.
Bhang is readily available year round in areas like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, therefore often part of cultural traditions.
Final thoughts: Why Bhang Keeps a Festival
For centuries, bhang has been entwined with Indian customs, mythology, and medical knowledge. Its connection with Lord Shiva and Holi helps to make it a popular festive event. Legal limitations on marijuana notwithstanding, bhang is still widely used in India, particularly during Holi, when it enhances the festival’s joyous and casual tone.
Be it a glass of bhang thandai or a tray of bhang-infused pakoras, this traditional treat remains a defining feature of Holi celebration.
If you plan on celebrating this Holi, eat wisely and really enjoy the festival in all of its brightness.
