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Maha Shivaratri is a grand festival in India that is celebrated with great excitement and energy. On this day, the devotees fast and worship Lord Shiva. This auspicious festival is observed on the 13th or 14th night of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar, and just like other Indian festivals, Maha Shivaratri is also celebrated with a platter of delicious food and drinks. The devotees prefer a sattvik meal, which consists of dishes like sabudana vada, makhana kheer, and rotis made of kuttu atta.
Apart from these dishes, bhang is also an essential element of this festival. It is a popular tradition on Maha Shivaratri to offer bhang to Lord Shiva and then drink it as prasad. According to Hindu culture, bhang, which is made from the cannabis plant, is sacred, and it is a route to connect with the divine power of Lord Shiva.
From thandai to chutney, there are a variety of recipes prepared for this occasion. Here are five of the best dishes you can make with bhang on Maha Shivaratri:
Bhang Thandai
This is the most popular bhang recipe in India and is served on the occasion of Holi as well. It is a cooling and refreshing drink that is made with almonds, rose petals, saffron, spices, milk, and bhang seed powder. In order to gear up its flavour and trip, you can store it in the refrigerator or load it with ice cubes.
Bhang Fritters
These tantalising and crunchy fritters are made with gram flour, onions, and vegetables such as potatoes, cauliflower, and spinach, along with a few spices and cannabis leaves. They are fried normally, like regular pakoras, but the addition of bhang transforms them into an ideal Maha Shivaratri snack. You can serve it with green chutney or any other dip.
Bhang Chutney
It is prepared with hemp seeds, which have no psychoactive properties like the leaves. Bhang ki chutney is a very popular delicacy in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, and it is served as a side dish with meals on special occasions. Made with very few ingredients like hemp seeds, cumin, lemon, salt, and chillies, it can be included in your vegan diet as well.
Bhang Malpua
This delectable and crispy snack-cum-dessert made with all-purpose flour, dry fruits, and bhang powder adds a splash of colour to the occasion. You can serve it to your guests as well. Just add some bhang powder to the batter and deep-fry it like your regular malpua. Make sure the batter is not too thin, or it will ruin the texture and flavour of your dish.
Hot Buttered Bhang
Hot, buttered bhang is perfect to enjoy in this chilly season if you don’t want to try a chilled glass of thandai. Made with butter, vodka, bhang leaves, honey, and vanilla essence, this intoxicating drink is perfect to amplify the festive mood. We bet you will fall in love with this beverage at the very first sip.
Try these recipes, and we wish you a happy and blessed Maha Shivaratri.
