Bhang prepared from cannabis leaves is legally exempt from the NDPS Act. Ganja (cannabis flower) sold in the vicinity of temples is not. Do not accept anything described as “special bhang” or pay premium prices for bhang — adulterated products exist and create both health and legal risks.
Bhang in Mumbai’s Temple Culture
Mumbai’s bhang tradition is tied primarily to the Maha Shivaratri festival, when licensed stalls appear in the vicinity of major Shiva temples across the city. The Mahalaxmi Temple area and lanes near major Shiva mandirs in Dadar and Prabhadevi have historically had bhang vendors during festival periods. Outside of festival seasons, bhang is less visibly available in Mumbai than in northern Indian cities like Delhi or Varanasi, reflecting Maharashtra’s somewhat more conservative approach to visible bhang retail.
Tourist-facing bhang is occasionally available in Colaba — Mumbai’s main backpacker area near the Gateway of India — but this market is informal and inconsistent. Licensed, documented bhang vendors operating from fixed premises are more reliable and safer to use. During Holi, bhang thandai is available from festival stalls and is prepared and consumed at community events across the city.