Bhang is a derivative of the leaf and flower of a female cannabis plant. It is used for making beverages and sometimes is smoked. Certain erotic drawings from the Mughal period of India depict a couple copulating while smoking bhang to enhance their enjoyment.

Bhang Ki Thandai is a drink popular in many parts of North India which is made by mixing bhang with thandai, a drink prepared with a mixture of almonds, spices, milk and sugar. A coin, ring or other small object made of copper is struck several times on a stone and dropped into the thandai - this is claimed to enhance the "kick" that Bhang drinkers get.

Cultivation of cannabis is illegal in many parts of the country, but bhang is widely available, and there is only a mild social stigma attached to drinking of Bhang Ki Thandai - it is practically traditional to drink Bhang during the holi festival.

Bhang Lassi is another well-known drink made with bhang. Although it is rarely printed in menus, some restaurants in India and Thailand, predominantly the tourist attracting areas such as Rajasthan, serve Bhang Lassi; lassi, which is a yogurt and iced-water beverage, laced with bhang. It is commonly dubbed "special lassi".

The traditional harvest of cannabis and preparation of bhang coincides with celebrations of Holi in March and Baisakhi in April. It is believed that the traditional dance bhangra derives its name from bhang.

External links

• "A Bit about Bhang"
• Recipe: Bhang Lassi
• Hot-Buttered Bhang Recipe
• "A Word from the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission" A 19th century British report on Bhang
• "Recipe for Bhang-Elixir of life"

Cannabis | Indian cuisine

Bhang | Bhang