Definition:

Bhang is a term widely used throughout India referring to any number of intoxicating concoctions made from cannabis. Bhang may include beverages such as bhang lassi, or thandai made from fresh, or boiled, marijuana leaves or buds, sometimes mixed with opium poppies, and an edible paste sometimes sweetened and formed into balls, or golees. Bhang is routinely consumed as an intoxicant during traditional Hindu festivals such as Holi, by India's Hindu population.

In Sikhism, bhang generally refers to a drinkable potion made from marijuana. In Sikhism scripture, or Gurbani, bhang may refer to marijuana or hemp in any form. In the Punjabi language spoken by the majority of Sikhs from India, the word bhang may also means wasted, injury, destruction, breaking, intermission, interruption or pause.

Sikhism renounces consumption of intoxicants. Use of Cannabis in any form by Sikhs is permitted only for medicinal reasons. The Nihang warrior sect has a historic tradition of preparing bhang for pain management before battle. Other medicinal uses (in India) include treatment of various aliments including fevers, digestive disturbances, speech impediments and strengthening the constitution of the body. In other parts of the world medical marijuana treatments vary by custom, culture and law.

Tenth Guru Gobind Singh created the Hola Mohalla martial arts festival to coincide with the Hindu Holi festival of colors as an alternative to bhang intoxicated revelry. Hola Mohalla is traditionally attended by Nihang warriors who feature displays of weaponry horseman ship and skill in the Gatka sword dance.

Pronunciation and Spelling:

Pronunciation: The a in Bhang sounds like the o in bong, however the bh is aspirated to sound like the p in pong.

Also Known As: Sukh Nidhan meaning "treasure of peace" is a Punjabi phrase also used for marijuana in reference to its euphoric effects.

Alternate Spellings: Bhaangh

Common Misspellings: Bong, Bang

Examples:

"Bho theraa bhaang khalarree maeraa cheet ||
The Fear of You, O Lord God, is my marijuana; my consciousness is the pouch which holds it." SGGS||721

"Kabeer bhaang maachhulee suraa paan jo jo praanee khaaneh ||
Kabeer, those mortals who consume marijuana, fish and wine." SGGS||1377

"Har sukh nidhaan naanak daas paa-i-aa ||4||2||56||
Slave Nanak has found the Lord, the treasure of peace." ||4||2||56|| SGGS||684

Translations by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

Up Next:

Code of Conduct FAQ: Is Medical Marijuana OK for Sikhs?
What Does Gurbani Say About Marijuana Use (Bhang)?: In Depth Insights
Sikh Way of Life and Guru's Teachings: Prohibitions

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