Bhang (Hindi: भांग)
Bhang (Hindi: भांग) is a preparation
from the leaves and flowers (buds) of the female cannabis plant, smoked or consumed as a beverage in the Indian subcontinent.
Bhang has been used
as an intoxicant for centuries in the sub-continent. Bhang in India is
distributed as a religious offering during Shiva festivals like
"Mahashivratri". It has now become synonymous with the Holi festival, to the point
where consuming bhang at that time is a standard practice. It is also available
as Bhang golis (balls) which is just freshly ground cannabis with water. Apart
from this, sweetened bhang golis are also widely available. These are not
considered a drug, but a traditional sleeping aid and appetizer. Bhang is also
part of many ayurvedic medicinal preparations,
e.g. bhang powder is available at ayurvedic dispensaries.
Bhang Ki Thandai also known as Sardai
is a drink popular in many parts of sub-continent which is made by mixing bhang
with thandai, a cold beverage prepared
with almonds, spices (mainly black pepper), milk and sugar.
History
Bhang was first used
as part of the Hindu rite in India around 1000 BC[citation needed] and soon became an integral
part of Hindu culture. The herb was devoted to Lord Shiva on Shivratri, a Hindu
festival.
Sadhus and Sufis use
Bhang to boost meditation and to achieve transcendental states. Bhang or
cannabis is also used amongst Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy.
The Nihang sect of
the Sikh community consume bhang
for pain relief from battle wounds. In Sikhism, it is strictly prohibited to
consume for pleasure, a rule which is followed very loyally. It started as an
ayurvedic medicine whose main use for the Nihangs was to aid in reducing pain
from battle wounds, and also as a digestive aid, called Sukhnidhan [1]
The historian Richard Davenport-Hines lists Thomas Bowrey as the first Westener to
document the use of bhang.[2]
Preparation
Anywhere on the ghats, one can find large number
of men engaged in the process of preparing bhang. Using mortar and pestle, the
buds and leaves of cannabis are ground into a green paste. To this mixture
milk, ghee and spices are added. The
bhang base is now ready to be made into a heavy drink, thandai, an alternative to alcohol; this is often referred to
casually, if inaccurately, as a "bhang Thandai" also "Bhang
LASSI" (made of Curd ). Bhang is also mixed with ghee and sugar to make a
green halva, and into peppery, chewy
little balls called 'golee' (which in this context means candy or pill in
Hindi).
In Kashmir, a common
preparation for bhang consists of first boiling the leaves and flowers of the
female cannabis plant for a short time.
Once the plant matter has become soft, it is mixed with khas khas or white opium poppy seed.
The two ingredients are pulverized with a mortar and pestle for 30-60 minutes
(adding a few drops of water now and again to keep the paste moist). The paste
is then mixed with water by hand and the mixture is poured through a straining
cloth to remove all excess plant matter. The remaining green water is known
locally as "bhang" and consumed as is. The usage of oil-rich seeds
allows THC, the fat-soluble
psychoactive chemical from the cannabis, to be extracted into the poppy oil so that potency can be
retained in a water-based mixture.
Culture
Bhang has become an
integral part of tradition and custom in the Indian subcontinent. It has become
symbolic for many things as it is associated with Lord Shiva.
In some sections of
rural India, people believe in the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant.
If taken in proper quantity, bhang is believed to cure fever, dysentery and sunstroke, to clear phlegm, aide digestion, appetite, cure speech imperfections and lisping, and give alertness to the
body.[3] Bhang lassi is a
preparation of powdered green inflorescence with curd and whey put in a village
blender (a hand blending operation is carried out till the butter rises). It is
regarded as tasty and greatly refreshing, with one or two large glasses having
little effect. Bhang goli, on the other hand, hits after approximately two
hours, sending one into a dreamlike state.
The tradition of
consuming bhang during Holi is particularly common in North India where Holi
itself is celebrated with a fervor unseen elsewhere. Bhang is heavily consumed
in Mathura, an ancient town of
religious importance to the Hindus. Here the practice is believed to have been
introduced by the followers of Lord Krishna and has stayed ever since.
They begin the preparation by Sanskrit chants and recitation of
prayers to Lord Shiva. Some people from Mathura take Bhang to work up their
appetite while others do it to relieve themselves of stress. But the hub of
bhang use is Varanasi or Banaras, the Land of
Shiva, where the bhang is prepared on its famous ghats.
Legality
As Bhang has served
such an important role in India's culture and spiritual practices it would be
impossible to criminalize cannabis completely in the country. Cultivation of
cannabis is government regulated, and illegal without a government permit. Sale
of bhang is also government regulated and illegal without a permit.
Bhang is illegal in
any country where cannabis is prohibited as it is an integral part of the
recipe.
Tradition of Bhang
Associated with Lord
Shiva, bhang has now become synonymous with holi. To the extent that bhang
drinks have now become an official Holi drink.
Culled from the leaves and buds of cannabis - the very intoxicating bhang helps to escalate the spirit of holi - a festival which does not recognise any restrictions. Lip smacking thandai, pakoras and vadas, all having bhang as a very essential ingredient, are savoured by all on the day.
Bhang Preparations in Banaras
The tradition of consuming bhang on holi is particularly rampant in North India where holi itself is celebrated with a gusto unseen anywhere else.
But, the hub of bhang is Varanasi or Banaras, the land of Shiva worship, where bhang is prepared on its famous ghats.
Anywhere on the ghats one can find large number of men engaged in the process of preparing bhang. Using mortar and a pestle, the buds and leaves of Cannabis are squashed and ground into a green paste. To this mixture milk, ghee, and spices are added. The bhang base is now ready to be made into a nutritious, refreshing drink - Thandai, a healthy alternative to alcohol. Bhang is also mixed with ghee and sugar to make a tasty green halva, and into peppery, chewy little balls called 'golees'.
A Brief History of Bhang
Bhang was first used as an intoxicant in India around 1000 BC and soon became an integral part of Hindu culture. In the ancient text Artharvaveda, Bhang is described as a beneficial herb that "releases anxiety". Bhang preparations were sacred to Gods, particularly Shiva. One of Shiva's epithets was "Lord of Bhang" as he is said to have discovered the transcendental properties of the mixture.
In imitation of Shiva, many sadhus use Bhang to boost meditation and achieve transcendental states. Besides, Bhang or cannabis is also believed to be popular amongst Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy since a long time.
Bond with the Bhang
Ancient as it is, bhang has become a inseparable part of Indian tradition. So much so that it has become symbolic for a lot of things. They might be, or rather they are, pure superstitious believes. But if one understands the inherent sentimental and emotional nature of Indians, one can very easily feel the emotional bond people have with bhang.
Associated with Lord Shiva, hemp plant is regarded holy by the Hindus. There is even a belief that to meet someone carrying bhang is an omen of success. And, if longing for hemp plant foretells happiness, to see it in dreams ensures prosperity for a person in future. Also, walking underfoot a holy bhang leaf spells doom for a person.
People also strongly believe in the medicinal properties of the hemp plant. If taken in proper quantity bhang cures fever, dysentery and sunstroke. It helps to clear phlegm, quicken digestion, sharpen appetite, cure speak imperfection and lispering. Besides, it freshens the intellect and gives alertness to the body and gaiety to the mind.
What is bhang?
Cannabis Rank: Genus
Genus of three closely related species, often hybridized.
Cannabis is dioecious, i.e. individual plants are either male or female. The female plant is the more potent, especially when unpollinated (hence sinsemilla = without seed).
The plant has an ancient relationship with humankind, and has long been cultivated as a source of medicine (the buds), fiber (the stalks), and food (the seeds). It has been found in neolithic Chinese archaeological sites, and is mentioned in the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeias. In India it is associated with Shiva and has played an important role in religious life as a sacred inebriant.
Culled from the leaves and buds of cannabis - the very intoxicating bhang helps to escalate the spirit of holi - a festival which does not recognise any restrictions. Lip smacking thandai, pakoras and vadas, all having bhang as a very essential ingredient, are savoured by all on the day.
Bhang Preparations in Banaras
The tradition of consuming bhang on holi is particularly rampant in North India where holi itself is celebrated with a gusto unseen anywhere else.
But, the hub of bhang is Varanasi or Banaras, the land of Shiva worship, where bhang is prepared on its famous ghats.
Anywhere on the ghats one can find large number of men engaged in the process of preparing bhang. Using mortar and a pestle, the buds and leaves of Cannabis are squashed and ground into a green paste. To this mixture milk, ghee, and spices are added. The bhang base is now ready to be made into a nutritious, refreshing drink - Thandai, a healthy alternative to alcohol. Bhang is also mixed with ghee and sugar to make a tasty green halva, and into peppery, chewy little balls called 'golees'.
A Brief History of Bhang
Bhang was first used as an intoxicant in India around 1000 BC and soon became an integral part of Hindu culture. In the ancient text Artharvaveda, Bhang is described as a beneficial herb that "releases anxiety". Bhang preparations were sacred to Gods, particularly Shiva. One of Shiva's epithets was "Lord of Bhang" as he is said to have discovered the transcendental properties of the mixture.
In imitation of Shiva, many sadhus use Bhang to boost meditation and achieve transcendental states. Besides, Bhang or cannabis is also believed to be popular amongst Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy since a long time.
Bond with the Bhang
Ancient as it is, bhang has become a inseparable part of Indian tradition. So much so that it has become symbolic for a lot of things. They might be, or rather they are, pure superstitious believes. But if one understands the inherent sentimental and emotional nature of Indians, one can very easily feel the emotional bond people have with bhang.
Associated with Lord Shiva, hemp plant is regarded holy by the Hindus. There is even a belief that to meet someone carrying bhang is an omen of success. And, if longing for hemp plant foretells happiness, to see it in dreams ensures prosperity for a person in future. Also, walking underfoot a holy bhang leaf spells doom for a person.
People also strongly believe in the medicinal properties of the hemp plant. If taken in proper quantity bhang cures fever, dysentery and sunstroke. It helps to clear phlegm, quicken digestion, sharpen appetite, cure speak imperfection and lispering. Besides, it freshens the intellect and gives alertness to the body and gaiety to the mind.
What is bhang?
Cannabis Rank: Genus
Genus of three closely related species, often hybridized.
Cannabis is dioecious, i.e. individual plants are either male or female. The female plant is the more potent, especially when unpollinated (hence sinsemilla = without seed).
The plant has an ancient relationship with humankind, and has long been cultivated as a source of medicine (the buds), fiber (the stalks), and food (the seeds). It has been found in neolithic Chinese archaeological sites, and is mentioned in the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeias. In India it is associated with Shiva and has played an important role in religious life as a sacred inebriant.
Bhang adds a kick,
but an overdose can take the fun out of your Holi. Here’s all you need to know
about the desi cannabis, before trying it.
Holi, for any spirited Delhiwalla means rang aur bhang ki masti. The natural intoxicant made from the leaves and flowers of the female
Holi, for any spirited Delhiwalla means rang aur bhang ki masti. The natural intoxicant made from the leaves and flowers of the female
The law that makes it illegal to possess the psychoactive becomes
low-priority during festivals such as Holi and Shivratri. For many, bhang is
believed to be fun booster. While there are a few government authorised shops in
Delhi that sell bhang, sweet shops and paan shops too sell bhang during Holi.
To add a dash of fun into their festive preparations, a lot of people whip up
bhang-based dishes at home, which range from jalebis to gol gappa to thandai,
pakora, laddoos, kulfis, sherbat and even papads.
The traditional connect
Bhang features as an anxiety releaser in the ancient holy text and
one of the four Vedas — the Atharvaveda. Bhang is associated with Lord Shiva,
as it is believed that he discovered the transcendental properties of the
cannabis. While bhang is popularly consumed in Mathura, making and drinking
bhang is a part of the mystic charm of the holy town of Varanasi, that’s
consigned to Lord Shiva’s worship. Bhang is prepared on the ghats of the city.
Tackle side effects
Herbal cure: Have a cup of herbal tea such as rose tea or jasmine
tea; it will reduce the headache and help counter the effects of bhang.
Lemon water: Lemon water is a great source of antioxidants and
vitamin C; it helps prevent the formation of free radicals.
Hydrate your system: Have lots of water, as it will flush out
intoxicants from your body. Dehydration makes the hangover worse.
Shivratri is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu world. The person who believes in Lord Shiva celebrate this festival and use Bhang as Prasad.
जवाब देंहटाएंMaha Shivaratri 2014
Thanks for your comments.
हटाएंJai shive shankar.... i provide 7 days celebration with every thing need for crazy....image it ur one side lord shiva and one side only this world
जवाब देंहटाएंThanks for your lovely words.
जवाब देंहटाएं