Bhaang Recipes for Holi

Bhaang is a traditional part of Holi celebrations in many parts of India, especially in the north. Prepared from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, bhaang is traditionally mixed into festive drinks like thandai and used in snacks like pakori and sweets such as laddu or kulfi. The custom has historical roots and is associated with celebrations of fertility, joy and liberation during Holi.

However, bhaang is psychoactive and should be consumed responsibly and cautiously. It is important to understand how to prepare it safely and who must avoid it altogether — especially for health reasons.

1. BHAANG THANDAI – Classic Holi Drink

Ingredients

• 1–1.5 litre milk

• 1.5–2 cups water

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp almonds

• 1 tbsp watermelon/cantaloupe seeds

• ½ tbsp poppy seeds (khus khus)

• ½ tbsp aniseed

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

• 10–15 peppercorns

• ¼ cup fresh or dried rose petals

• Bhaang leaves or paste (use very small amount and dilute)

Steps

1. Prepare Sugar Syrup: Heat water with sugar until fully dissolved; cool.

2. Soak Ingredients: Soak nuts, seeds, rose petals and bhaang in water for 2+ hours.

3. Grind to Paste: Grind the soaked mix into a smooth paste.

4. Strain: Add remaining water to the paste and strain through a muslin cloth into a vessel.

5. Blend: Add milk, cardamom and peppercorns to the strained mix; stir well.

6. Chill: Refrigerate for a few hours before serving cold.

7. Serve in small quantities: and wait some time before deciding if you want more.

2. BHAANG PAKORI – Festive Savoury Snack

Ingredients

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)

• 1–2 cups finely chopped potatoes/onions

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp red chilli powder

• 1 tsp amchur (dried mango powder)

• 1 tsp bhaang leaf paste

• Salt to taste

• Oil for frying

Steps

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine gram flour, spices and bhaang paste in a bowl.

2. Add Veggies: Fold in chopped onions and potatoes.

3. Make Batter: Add water little by little to form a thick batter.

4. Fry Pakoris: Heat oil and drop spoonfuls of batter; fry until golden brown.

5. Serve Hot with chutney.

3. Other BHAANG Variations

Traditional Holi celebrations sometimes include:

• Bhaang Laddu: Sweet energy balls where a mild amount of bhaang paste is mixed into the jaggery or sugar binder.

• Bhaang Kulfi: A rich frozen dessert where bhaang is carefully infused into dairy and nut mixture before freezing.

Note: These recipes should only use very small quantities of bhaang paste and only when all consumers understand the effects. Dilution in food reduces intensity compared to direct drink consumption.

Important Safety Warnings – Who Should Avoid BHAANG

Bhaang has psychoactive properties because it is derived from the cannabis plant. It can affect the brain, heart and nervous system — especially when taken in excess.

Who Should Avoid BHAANG

• Children and teenagers: Their brains are still developing and cannabis products may cause long-term cognitive effects and mood disorders.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Potential risk of premature birth or developmental issues.

• People with heart conditions: Cannabis can raise heart rate and strain the cardiovascular system, increasing risk of adverse events.

• People with mental health disorders: It may trigger anxiety, paranoia or hallucinations in sensitive individuals.

• Anyone on prescription medications that interact negatively with cannabis.

Side Effects to Watch For

Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of coordination, increased heart rate, dehydration, dry mouth, altered perception or memory issues. High doses can lead to more severe reactions such as anxiety or panic.

Tips for Responsible, Safer Consumption

• Start with a very small amount: Especially if you are new to bhaang.

• Eat some food first: Do not consume bhaang on an empty stomach.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after consumption.

• Avoid mixing with alcohol or smoking — this can intensify effects unpredictably.

• Be outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces.

• Keep emergency contacts close if you experience severe side effects.

Cultural Context

In traditional Indian practices, bhaang has been associated with Lord Shiva and is sometimes consumed during Holi and Shivratri as part of celebrations and spiritual observance. However, contemporary wellness voices stress that Holi’s spirit lies in joy and togetherness — not intoxication or risky behaviour.

Bhaang can be part of Holi lore and traditional cuisine, but it must be handled responsibly and with full awareness of its effects. For those who choose not to consume it — including families with children, elders, and people with health concerns — there are plenty of delicious non-intoxicating Holi foods and drinks like plain thandai, gujiya, malpua and festive snacks that keep the celebrations joyful without risks.

Non-Alcoholic & Safe Thandai Recipes for Holi

Thandai is one of the most loved Holi drinks, traditionally enjoyed for its cooling and refreshing qualities. These non-intoxicating versions retain the authentic festive flavour while being completely safe for all age groups.

1. Classic Holi Thandai (No Bhaang)

Ingredients

• 1 litre full-cream milk

• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• 10–12 almonds

• 10–12 cashews

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds (khus khus)

• 1 tbsp fennel seeds

• 8–10 black peppercorns

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

• 2 tbsp dried rose petals

• 1–2 tbsp melon seeds

Step-by-Step Method

1. Soak almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, peppercorns, rose petals and melon seeds in warm water for 2–3 hours.

2. Peel almonds and grind all soaked ingredients into a smooth paste.

3. Heat milk gently, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Allow milk to cool.

4. Mix the prepared paste into the milk and stir well.

5. Strain the mixture using a fine cloth or sieve for a smooth texture.

6. Add cardamom powder, refrigerate for 2–3 hours and serve chilled.

Best for: Family gatherings, elders, kids, and daytime celebrations.

2. Kesar Thandai (Royal & Aromatic)

Ingredients

• 1 litre milk

• ½ cup sugar

• 15 almonds

• 10 pistachios

• A few saffron strands

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Steps

1. Soak almonds, pistachios and saffron in warm milk for 1 hour.

2. Grind into a smooth paste.

3. Heat remaining milk, dissolve sugar and cool it down.

4. Mix paste into milk, strain and refrigerate.

5. Garnish with crushed pistachios and saffron strands.

Why it’s popular: Mild, rich flavour with no strong spices.

3. Rose Thandai (Light & Refreshing)

Ingredients:

• 1 litre chilled milk

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 tbsp rose syrup

• 1 tbsp dried rose petals

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Steps:

1. Dissolve sugar in slightly warm milk and allow it to cool.

2. Add rose syrup, rose petals and cardamom powder.

3. Stir well, strain if required and chill before serving.

Best for: People who prefer light flavours and floral notes.

4. Sugar-Free Thandai (Diabetic-Friendly Option)

Ingredients:

• 1 litre low-fat milk

• Natural sweetener (as advised by a doctor)

• 10 almonds

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

• 1 tbsp fennel seeds

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Steps:

1. Soak nuts and seeds for 2 hours and grind into a fine paste.

2. Heat milk lightly and let it cool.

3. Add paste, cardamom and sweetener.

4. Strain and chill before serving.

Note: Always consult a doctor before serving sweeteners to diabetic individuals.

Why Choose Non-Intoxicating Thandai

• Safe for children, teenagers, elders and pregnant women

• No side effects like dizziness or anxiety

• Can be consumed multiple times during the day

• Keeps the festive spirit alive without health risks

• Ideal for society events, schools and community Holi celebrations

Serving Tips for Holi

• Serve thandai in earthen cups or steel glasses for traditional touch

• Garnish with rose petals or chopped nuts

• Keep it chilled but not ice-cold for better digestion

• Clearly label drinks during parties to avoid confusion

Holi celebrations are about togetherness, joy and shared happiness. These safe, non-alcoholic thandai recipes ensure everyone — from children to elders — can enjoy the festival without worry. They preserve tradition while keeping celebrations healthy, inclusive and family-friendly.