India is a land full of festivals and rich culture. Every festival in India is celebrated with much enthusiasm, special food, and drinks. No festival is complete without delicious food and drinks. The nation is gearing up to celebrate Maha Shivratri which is majorly celebrated by Hindus across India to honour Lord Shiva. You must have seen people drinking bhang during Maha shivratri festivals. It is an intoxicating liquid made from the cannabis plants. 

STORY OF SHIVA & BHANG

It is believed that Shiva drank Bhang after the Samudra Manthan episode mentioned in the scriptures. Shiva had to consume the poison Halahala, to save the universe – Halahala was the poison that came out during the churning of ocean.

The consuming of Halahala caused intense heat inside Shiva. To cool Shiva down, Devas prepared Bhang and gave it to him.

HOW TO MAKE BHANG

Bhang is an edible form of Cannabis and a drink is prepared from it during Shivratri. Bhang is made from the leaves of Hemp and is considered the least intoxicating of the cannabis preparations in India. But is capable of giving a high for the entire day and is sold openly during Shivratri and Holi festival.

Ingredients 

• 1 Litre milk
• 1/2 Cup sugar
• 1 Tablespoon almonds
• 1/4 Teaspoon saffron
• 1/4 Cup Dry Rose Petals
• 1/2 Tablespoon bhang seed powder
• 2 Cup water
• 1/2 Tablespoon aniseed
• 11 Peppercorns
• 2 Green cardamom
• 1 Tablespoon melon seeds

Method

1. Soak aniseeds, almonds, watermelon seeds, bhang and rose petals in cups of water and grind to make a smooth paste.
2. To make it creamier, keep some almonds aside and make a separate paste. Add it later as per your taste preference.
3. Boil the milk and keep aside.
4. Pour water into the paste and strain using a piece of muslin. In the strained liquid, add sugar, peppercorns, powdered cardamom and saffron and mix well. Add milk to the mixture.
5. Garnish it with some roasted and sliced almonds and pistachios. Serve chilled and indulge in the heavenly taste of your homemade bhang thandai!