Come Holi and most of us wonder how to make bhang at home. The drink is an integral part of all Holi celebrations and making it at home becomes traditionally mandatory. Bhang has a history with Hindu celebrations in India. It is made from the female Cannabis plant with leaves and buds being the main contributors. The first use of bhang in India dates back to 1000 BC when it was used in Hindu rites. Ascetics continue to use bhang for enhancement of meditation and attaining transcendental states. Bhang is the official drink of Holi and the hemp plant, coarse cannabis plant fibers, are considered holy by Hindus. Apart from the intoxicating effect of bhang, there are some medicinal benefits too. Bhang is also used to cure nausea, depression, anxiety, arthritis, multiple sclerosis etc.

• Tips to Make Bhang at Home

Make bhang at home with the following easy tips:

1. Soak bhang leaves in water.

2. Grind them to a paste using a mortar and pestle.

3. Add necessary spices to this paste and mix.

4. Boil this paste in water and strain.

5. Strained liquid is green in color and can be used to make a variety of drinks and dishes.

• Bhang Recipes for Holi 

Making bhang at home gives the added advantage of using it in a number of dishes for the Holi feast. Some dishes that can be made using bhang are:

1. Mix and blend almonds, sugar, pistachios, and milk with bhang for bhang thandai. This refreshing drink can be served to guests.

2. Mix pistachios, khus syrup, and thick refrigerated yogurt with bhang for bhang lassi.

3. Mix Bhang with sugar and clarified-butter to make green colored halva or sweetmeat.

4. Bhang mixed with sugar, pepper and clarified butter and made into small balls are called bhang golis which are peppery and chewy.

5. Mix a little bit of bhang in pakore batter to make bhang ke pakore.

Make bhang at home and prepare lots of bhang thandai for guests on Holi. This unique drink is usually the highlight of all Holi parties.

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