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Holi 2025 Special: Holi is here with colours, food, and drinks like Gulaal, Gujiya, and Thandai. Classic Thandai is nutritious, while Bhang Thandai, made from cannabis, is for adults only.
Happy Holi 2025: Bhang on Holi is not a new tradition in India, in fact, it has been consumed during the festivities for centuries. (Image: Shutterstock)
Happy Holi 2025: Holi 2025 is here and the excitement is at an all-time high. Also known as the festival of colours, Holi is one of the most fun-filled festivals in India. People enjoy the day with colours, delicious food and drinks. From Gulaal to Gujiya to Bhang Thandai, the festival invites all things fun.
Many northern Indian households serve Thandai and/or Bhang during Holi festivities. However, many people are unaware that Thandai and Bhang are not the same. There are certain significant differences that must be understood in order to avoid a severe hangover the next day.
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Bhang Thandai Vs Classic Thandai: What’s The Difference?
Classic Thandai
The Classic Thandai is a safe drink to consume on Holi and can even be served to children. It is a refreshing drink made with milk, pistachios, fennel, almonds, poppy seeds (khus khus), and saffron.
The Thandai has various health benefits, including cooling the body after a day of play in the sun and protecting you from heat stroke. It is also incredibly nutritious as it combines protein-rich milk with dried fruits.
Bhang Thandai
Bhang Thandai, on the other hand, traditionally served in the form of lassi, laddoo or thandai, must only be consumed by people over 18 years of age.
It is an alternative to thandai on Holi, made from marijuana leaves or flowers and is used in Thandai and other sweet and savoury treats during the festival.
How is it prepared?
It is made by grinding cannabis leaves and flowers into a paste in a mortar and pestle, rolling it into a ball with milk and ghee and then adding it to drinks or food. It is first offered to Lord Shiva and then consumed as Prasad.
Holi and Mahashivratri are one of the few times when even conservative Indian households would allow the consumption of intoxicating drinks in family gatherings.
Bhang on Holi is not a new tradition in India, in fact, it has been consumed during the festivities for centuries.
It comes with certain health benefits too. Limited consumption of Bhang can help prevent nausea and vomiting, reduce pain, reduce muscle spasms and seizures, improve sleep and reduce inflammation.
However, Bhang Thandai should only be consumed in moderation. A high consumption of Bhang may cause confusion, dry mouth, fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, elevated heart rate, dizziness, and headaches. In rare situations, this might lead to hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks, nausea, and vomiting.
Have a happy and safe Holi.
