Bhang Shops in Delhi

What Is Bhang?

Bhang is a preparation made from the leaves and seeds of the cannabis plant, ground into a paste and mixed into drinks (thandai, lassi) or sweets (goli). It has been consumed in India for over 3,000 years as a religious offering associated with Lord Shiva. Because the NDPS Act 1985 defines cannabis as only the flowering tops and resin — not the leaves — bhang sits in a legally distinct category and is sold openly at licensed stalls throughout Delhi.

Potency varies significantly between vendors and preparation styles. A light bhang lassi at a tourist-facing stall may produce mild effects. Traditional preparations near temple complexes can be considerably stronger. First-time users should start with a small amount and wait at least 90 minutes before consuming more, as the onset is slow due to oral ingestion.

Where to Find Bhang Shops in Delhi

Licensed bhang stalls are concentrated near major temple complexes and in areas with strong religious pilgrimage traffic. The area around Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk market historically had bhang vendors, though availability shifts by season. During Maha Shivaratri and Holi, temporary licensed stalls appear across the city in much higher numbers. The area around Yamuna Ghat is another traditional location.

Some shops in the lanes around Paharganj (a backpacker area near New Delhi Railway Station) market bhang products to tourists. Exercise caution: verify you are purchasing a legal bhang preparation and not being sold something else entirely. Asking for a bhang lassi or bhang thandai is the clearest way to specify a traditional legal preparation.

Key Facts