As the scorching summer sun beats down, few drinks offer as much respite as a chilled glass of thandai — a fragrant blend of milk, nuts, and spices. But during festivals like Holi and Mahashivratri, this refreshing drink takes on an intoxicating twist with a special ingredient: bhang. Unlike its more infamous counterparts — ganja (marijuana) and charas (hashish) — which remain strictly prohibited under Indian law, bhang occupies a peculiar space, both culturally revered and legally permitted.
So, what makes bhang different from other cannabis derivatives? How has it remained an integral part of Indian traditions while escaping the same legal restrictions? From its deep-seated connection with mythology and rituals to its role in modern festivities, we dive into the centuries-old legacy of bhang — exploring its legal standing, cultural significance, and social acceptance.
Difference Between Bhang, Charas, and Ganja
Cannabis, scientifically known as Cannabis Indica, gives rise to three different products — bhang, ganja, and charas — each derived from different parts of the plant and processed in unique ways.
- Bhang – Bhang is made from the leaves and seeds of the cannabis plant. After being ground into a paste, it is mixed with milk, sugar, and spices to create the popular bhang thandai or bhang lassi. It can also be added to sweets like jalebi and halwa. Since bhang is prepared from leaves and seeds (which are not classified as narcotic substances under Indian law), it remains legal.
- Ganja – Ganja is derived from the dried flowers (buds) of the cannabis plant. It is typically smoked in a chillum or rolled into a cigarette. Since ganja is made from the flowering parts of the plant, it falls under the category of banned substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Charas – Charas, also known as hashish, is obtained by extracting the resin from the cannabis plant. The sticky resin is hand-rubbed from the flowers and then collected to form a dark, pliable substance. Like ganja, charas is illegal in India under the NDPS Act.
The NDPS Act clearly distinguishes bhang from ganja and charas. The law exempts cannabis leaves and seeds from its definition of narcotics, which is why bhang remains legal while ganja and charas are prohibited.
The Connection Of Bhang in Atharv Ved and Charak Samhita
The use of bhang in India is not a recent phenomenon — it dates back thousands of years and holds a sacred place in Indian culture and tradition. Ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Atharvaveda (written between 1500 and 1000 BCE), mention bhang as one of the five sacred plants. It was believed to possess medicinal and spiritual properties, with references to its use for healing and religious rituals.
Evolution Of Bhang
According to author Ashwin Sanghi, in the Atharvaveda, Bhang is referred to as one of the “five kingdoms of herbs which release us from anxiety”. He said: “By the 10th century, Bhang came to be called the ‘food of the gods’. Five hundred years later, its virtues are listed as astringency, heat, inspiration and the capacity to remove wind and phlegm.”
Explaining the evolution of bhang, he says in a 2020 Facebook post: “By the sixteenth century, a Sanskrit play ‘Dhurtasamagama’, depicts two vagabonds quarrelling before a corrupt judge. Before passing a verdict, the judge demands payment for his decree and is readily offered Bhang! The Rajvallabha, a seventeenth-century text, goes on to equate Bhang with Amrit by saying that it was manufactured like nectar from the ocean by churning it with Mount Mandara.”
How Bhang Came To Be Related To Festivals And Hinduism
According to Sanghvi, bhang became a symbol of festivity and hospitality. “No social celebration — marriage, birth, coronation or harvest — was complete without it. It even became indispensable in war. Indian folk songs from the twelfth century talk about Bhang as the ‘drink of warriors’. Soldiers would usually take a swig to eliminate any fear or panic,” he said.
Bhang also became inextricably linked with religion when sadhus and fakirs began to use it to improve their meditation and concentration, Sanghi pointed out.
Cannabis is also deeply tied to Hinduism, especially through its association with Lord Shiva. According to legend, Shiva sought refuge under a cannabis plant after a heated argument with his family. He consumed the plant’s leaves, finding comfort and relaxation. Another one states that Shiva drank bhang to cool himself after consuming the deadly poison (halahala) that emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). This is why bhang consumption is closely linked with Shiva worship, especially during Maha Shivratri.
How to Purchase Bhang Legally
Despite its association with cannabis, bhang enjoys a legal status — thanks to a loophole in the NDPS Act, 1985. The Act does not mention bhang. Cannabis leaves and seeds are left out of the purview of the NDPS Act under its definition of narcotics, thereby allowing the sale and consumption of bhang under state-controlled licences.
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, bhang is sold through government-licensed outlets known as bhang thekas. These shops operate under strict regulations concerning product quality and sales. In the Delhi-NCR region, including Noida, licensed bhang shops cater to increased demand during festivals like Holi and Shivratri.
Customers can purchase bhang in different forms, including bhang thandai, bhang lassi, and bhang golis (digestive pills). In some states, cannabis plants are even sold in nurseries at affordable prices, reinforcing the cultural acceptance of bhang as a part of India’s social fabric.
