Bhang

Paste or dough made from crushed marijuana (Cannabis sativa), which is often
mixed with spices or other flavorings
before being formed into a ball. It is
taken as an intoxicant, either eaten, or
mixed into a “cooling” milk-based drink
called thandai. In general, eating bhang
is disapproved of by respectable people,
although it is fairly common in certain
circles, particularly among ascetics.
Despite this basic disapproval, bhang is
widely consumed as part of the festival
celebrations for Shivaratri and Holi,
even by people who avoid it the rest of
101
Bhang
the year. The former festival is dedicated
to Shiva, who is famous for his love of
the drug, whereas Holi is associated
with overturning social boundaries, giving greater license to do things normally
proscribed. Aside from being consumed
during certain celebrations, it can also
be taken in special places, particularly
when on a pilgrimage. Several of the
most famous Hindu sacred sites
(tirthas)—among them Benares, Puri,
and Haridwar—have government-run
bhang stands where pilgrims can fulfill
their needs.