Cannabis at Holi in Delhi

Bhang at Holi: India’s Oldest Cannabis Tradition

Holi, the festival of colours celebrated across India in late February or March, is uniquely associated with bhang consumption. Bhang thandai — a cold milk drink blended with bhang paste, almonds, spices, and rose water — is a central part of the festival in northern India, particularly in Delhi, Varanasi, Mathura, and Jaipur.

During Holi, licensed bhang stalls in Delhi operate in much higher numbers than usual. Many are temporary festival stalls established near parks, residential colonies, and cultural venues. Home preparation of bhang thandai is also common and entirely legal, as households can lawfully possess bhang leaves for personal festival use in states where bhang is permitted.

What Is Sold and What Is Safe

Legal bhang vendors at Holi sell preparations made exclusively from cannabis leaves and seeds. The effect is psychoactive due to cannabinoids present in the leaves, but the experience is typically described as mellow and body-focused, quite different from smoking ganja. Onset takes 45-120 minutes because of oral ingestion. First-time users should treat this seriously — overconsumption of bhang thandai at Holi is extremely common and can lead to intense, prolonged effects lasting 6-8 hours.

During Holi, some unscrupulous vendors add powdered charas or synthetic cannabinoids to preparations sold as bhang without disclosure. Purchase only from clearly identified licensed vendors, not from strangers who approach you, and be cautious about bhang offered freely at private parties where you do not know the preparation method.

Key Facts