Bhang
Bhang is a derivative of the leaf and flower of a female cannabis plant.
It is commonly used to make Bhang Thandai, a drink popular in many parts of India. It is made by mixing bhang and a paste of almonds and certain spices with milk and sugar. Cultivation of cannabis is illegal in many parts of the country, but bhang is widely available, and there is only a mild social stigma attached to drinking of Bhang Thandai.
Another drink made with bhang is Bhang Lassi. Although it is rarely printed in menus, some restaurants in India serve Bhang Lassi, a yogurt and iced-water beverage laced with bhang. It is commonly dubbed "special lassi".
The traditional harvest of cannabis and preparation of bhang coincides with celebrations of Holi in March and Baisakhi in April. It is believed that the traditional term bhangra derives its name from bhang.