A swig of bhang

Celebrate this Holi with a quaff of bhang. Both Big B and SRK have already got high on this humble, indigenous drink onscreen.

Manoj Juice Shop on 99, Cotton Street, Burrabazar has been in the bhang business for years now and people have to jostle for space while sipping their drinks at this little shop off Mechhua Fruit Market. “Celebrations really come alive with a dash of bhang and revellers just can’t seem to get enough,” says the owner of the juice centre. Manoj Juice Shop does not take orders, preferring to make the drink on the spot.

The herbal drink is associated with divinity and builds the appetite, says Dipak Gupta of Shiv Shakti Sherbet, Vivekananda Road. Usually drunk by devotees of Lord Shiva, bhang is very popular in northern India, in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar.

But Kolkatans are gradually taking to bhang during Holi, admits Gupta. “I’ve been in this business for years and there is an upward trend. Of late, more and more youngsters from the city have shown an inclination towards the drink,” says Gupta.

A subtle nudge and he’s persuaded to divulge the recipe. “First prepare a paste of milk, almonds, kesar, whole black pepper, fennel seeds, poppy seeds and cardamom. Take about 100 mg of this paste and mix with some bhang. Stir swiftly and shift to a separate glass. Now add badam or thandai sherbet, and top with some khowa,” he reveals.

Certainly, many customers prefer alcoholic drinks during Holi, but the loyalists never quite disappear. “I’ve had customers who gave up alcohol after trying bhang,” claims Gupta. It helps that the drink doesn’t give out a stink. The shop owner has seen a steady stream of bhang enthusiasts in the city over the years. The badam and thandai flavours are the biggest sellers at Shiv Shakti Sherbet. But he adds, “We don’t sell it to underage people, though. Moreover, it should be taken in the right quantity.”

However, the owner of Manoj Juice Shop is not convinced that bhang can charm people away from alcohol. “We’ve been passionately making and selling bhang for many decades. People from all walks of life have been customers. But many of our customers have begun to prefer alcohol during Holi. It has dented our business to some extent.”

Whether people turn to or move away from bhang, price is certainly in its favour. A 300 ml glass of bhang would cost anywhere between Rs 10 to Rs 30.


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