Holi: Festival of colours or Bhang?

For many of those celebrating Holi, the festival of colours is incomplete without a glass of flavoured Bhang. This traditional Holi beverage, made out of cannabis, is an indispensable part of the festivities. Although Bhang is a prohibited substance, it's among things most in demand during Holi. And with the festival around the corner, Bhang ki goli (pills) is being sold extensively across the city in paan shops, slum colonies, general stores and even dairies.

The local police and the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), as part of a special drive, is now planning to crack down on parties and places where Bhang is being sold, prepared or consumed on a large scale. "Our drive is still on. During Holi, we will crack down on consumers and sellers based on specific information," said DD Kale, ACP of ANC.

Each pill costs anywhere between Rs50 and 200, based on its content and place where it's being sold. "Sale and consumption of Bhang is illegal. However, it's used to cure several aliments. But without documents on one's medical history and permit, its consumption is prohibited. However, it's mostly used to get a high. The person who consumes it, gets to a dreamlike and hallucinogenic state and remains that way for hours. The drug, in the form of pills, is mixed with various types of drinks or food and consumed," said a senior ANC official.

The 'goli' is a mixture of freshly-ground cannabis, poppy seeds and dry fruits. It's mixed with thandai (a cold beverage made of almonds and spices), lassi or soft drinks and consumed at homes or parties. It's also sold concealed inside paan (betel nut leaf) and consumed. Sometimes the pill is mixed with sweets or cakes and used. While it's mostly available in tablet form, it's also sold as a powder in some places.

"Sometimes, the pill does not contain cannabis. Based on complaints, we raided a few paan shops, but found that they were selling Ayurvedic pills for digestion, and certain other pills that had contents that were legally permitted. We will increase vigil on the day of Holi to contain sale and consumption of Bhang," said Rajendra Sangle, senior inspector, Worli's ANC unit.