It is the festival of lights and one of the most popular festivals for Indians, but diid you know cannabis can play a part?

From Mumbai to Texas, Diwali is a major Indian festival celebrated around the world. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major festival celebrated primarily in India and by Hindu communities worldwide. It is often referred to as the Festival of Lights and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. RELATED: Fun Facts About HalloweenCannabis, has deep roots in Hindu mythology and religious practices. The ancient Vedic texts mention cannabis, sometimes referring to it as “Vijahia” (source of happiness) or “Ananda” (laughter-provoker). Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is closely associated with cannabis. According to the Rudrayamal Danakand and Karmakand, Shiva tells his consort Parvati about the benefits, elevating its status to a sacred plant. The use of cannabis in India dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting its presence as early as 1000 BC. The Atharva Veda, an ancient sacred text, refers to cannabis as a “liberator from sin” and “heavenly guide”. This long-standing cultural acceptance has led to cannabis being integrated into various religious and social practices.

Cannabis is an element of Diwali celebrations for all participants. Yogis or sadhus along with other Hindu mystics have been known to smoke a mixture of cannabis sativa and tobacco in order to enhance meditation. In Hinduism, it’s believed drinking bhang during religious rites can cleanse sins, unite one with Shiva, and avoid hell in the future. Priests, mystics and everyday Indians have been known to consume.RELATED: Is GERD Helped By Cannabis Bhang is an Indian edible preparation made from the leaves of the cannabis plant. Bhang is part of the ancient Hindu tradition and custom in the Indian subcontinent. In some parts of rural India, people attribute various medicinal properties to the cannabis plant. If taken in proper quantity, bhang is believed to cure fever, dysentery, and sunstroke, to clear phlegm, aid in digestion, increase appetite, cure speech imperfections and lisping, and give alertness to the body. Because the country’s legal definition of ‘cannabis’ does not include the leaves of the cannabis plant, it preserves the legality of bhang. Important festivals such as Holi and Maha Shivratri have traditionally seen people consume bhang.

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