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The preparations of Holi in the sacred city of Varanasi were in full swing with thousands of visitors from across the country coming here to celebrate the festival with traditional fervour.

Bhang, a derivative of the leaf and flower of a female cannabis plant used for making intoxicating beverages, and Thandai, a milk preparation, is considered an integral part of the Holi celebrations.

A week before Holi, preparations get underway here with the locals busying themselves in Bhang preparations.

Besides, the clan of Naga Sadhus staying, for whom Varanasi is like a permanent abode, also lend their hand to add more kick and punch to the preparations.

Bhang in various forms and Thandai are both believed to be the food consumed by Lord Shiva. On this pretext, devotees in Varanasi offer the same along with cream to the Shivlinga and the same is distributed as prasad (offerings) to every one.

"In our city, Bhang along with Kesar (saffron) and cream is offered to the Shiv linga and same is distributed to all. The sale of bhang increases during Holi despite efforts by the district administration and police officials to put restrictions on its sale. Brewed liquor came quite late due to some unwanted people," said Badri Vishal Singh, a local.

As a matter of fact, Bhang is freely available in Varanasi and one can easily locate the leaf anywhere one goes.

"This is Lord Shiva's city and Bhang is his prasad. Bhang, Holi and Thandai are all inter-related. Without Bhang and Thandai, no Holi can be celebrated. We celebrate Holi with lots of fun, excitement and with the true identity of Banaras, that is Bhang and Thandai," said Rajan Trivedi, President of Bhartendu Academy.

"Kashi (Varanasi) happens to be the only place where you can purchase Thandai from any shop. You will be given Bhang for free. Here you will never have to ask for bhang but it will be offered wherever you go," Sunil Kapoor, another local said.

Bhang is usually consumed in the form of laddoo or as Thandai.

In Varanasi, Holi is celebrated in context of Lord Shiva and the Ganges. Holi is one festival when all religious, linguistic and cultural barriers are broken.

The land of Shiva, Varanasi or Kashi (Banaras as it was known earlier), is especially famous for its high level of Bhang consumption. Sitting on the 'ghats' or steps leading to the Ganges, people can be seen grinding Bhang leaves and mixing it with milk and various dry fruits to prepare tasty and punchy concoctions. (ANI)

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