Replace Holi Bhang With Healthy Drinks

By Super

It's spring time and the festival of colours is all set to usher the happiness and joy in abundance. Holi is the festival of colours that is celebrated across India and among Indian communities all over the world. It commemorates the onset of spring that symbolises the colours of nature blooming. In mythological terms Holi remarks the victory of good over evil as Prahlad, the son of Hiranyakashipu attained salvation by chanting Lord Vishnu's name against his father's atrocity of gaining powers from Lord Brahma and also the burning of Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu. Symbolically, in the present day context, Holi is all about painting our lives with the colours of happiness.

Bhang is an intoxicating drink made out of the female cannabis plant. It is smoked or added in drink as a beverage on the day of Holi. It is said that Sadhus use bhang to boost and enhance meditation, as it puts them in a state of trance. However too much of bhang consumption could numb the senses.This Holi you could try a few different and healthy alternative drinks and give a brief hiatus to the usual Bhang. Here are a few alternative healthy drinks you could experiment.

Replace Holi Bhang With Healthy Drinks

Strawberry lemonade- This is a very refreshing drink and can be made within minutes. Just blend the strawberries with sugar and strain. Add lemon juice and mix. Enjoy your refreshing Holi drink. You can also replace strawberries with orange, kiwi, raspberry and apple.

Make a classic Margarita- Try innovative mixes of margarita like blood orange, berriful margarita, hibiscus margarita, pomegranate margarita. You can also stick to the classic lime margarita and raise a toast with your family and friends to celebrate the festival of colours.

Lassi- The classic Punjabi drink can be as refreshing as spring itself. Try different kinds of lassi like dry fruit, mango, pudina and strawberry lassi. They are a healthy alternative to Bhang.

Fruit Smoothies- This is a healthy and feasible option for people who are diet conscious. A medley of fruits and berries like strawberry, raspberry, apple, banana, grapes, cantaloupe and chikkoo go into the smoothie, thus making it a heavenly drink at every sip.

Milkshakes- If you are bored of a single fruit milkshake you can try combinations like choco-banana, apple-almond, peach- apricot, dry fruits milk shake and papaya-honey milkshakes. Try your own innovations and enjoy the healthy drink on Holi.

Panakam- This is the traditional juice that is made on festivals in South Indian household. It is made with jaggery, cardamon, nutmeg, lemon, dry ginger powder and basil that are mixed in water. This healthy alternative drink to Bhang is good as it naturally cools the body keeping it hydrated for around 4-5 hours.

Soda mixes- A dash of concentrated cherry syrup can be mixed with soda and can be had as a chiller. You can also try it with kiwi, guava and lime juices.

Coconut water- It is the best and most preferred health drink all round the year. Keeps your body intact with the right amount of salt and minerals.

Try these healthy drink alternatives for Bhang to have a colourful and fun filled Holi.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Story first published: Saturday, March 23, 2013, 12:44 [IST]
Read more about: holi healthy drinks healthy diet