Himalayas during my ecological investigations in that area. It is 
quite possible to encounter variants of these in other parts of 
the world. 
BHANG PaKoras: This preparation 1s made by mixing fresh or 
dried Cannabis leaves (Plate II) with chick-pea flour. A kind of 
electuary is prepared by adding water and the desired condi- 
ments (black or red pepper, ginger, and cumin seeds). The 
resulting dough is salted. Small balls of the dough are fried in 
mustard oil. These fried ‘pakoras’, as they are called, are eaten 
as snacks with tea or beer. The strength of this preparation is 
controlled by the amount of Cannabis leaves at the time of 
making the dough. On festive occasions, these ‘pakoras’ are 
sought with great felicity. 
BHANG PARANTHAS: For this extremely popular delicacy, 
crushed or powdered roasted seeds are stuffed in large, round 
wheat bread dough, either baked in an earthen oven or 
shallow-fried in a skillet. The resulting product is used like a 
regular bread by adults ina family. In some cases, Cannabis of 
desired quality is cultivated in private lots for this common 
preparation. 
BHANG BALLs: Fresh, tender leaves of Cannabis are finely 
powdered or crushed and mixed with a small amount of water. 
Small (1°’ diameter) balls are prepared from the mixture. Poppy 
seeds are added at times. These Cannabis balls are used as 
snacks with tea or coffee and sold freely in markets, especially 
during the summer months. The educated people seem to pay 
no attention to this product, however, since it is an accepted 
custom in the area (Plate III). 
BHANG AND Honey: A widespread belief holds that a concoc- 
tion of young Cannabis leaf powder and honey keeps youth, 
vitality, and virility. It is also used to maintain hair colour and 
texture. The preparation is made easily by the local inhabi- 
tants, since the ingredients are available on the spot. 
‘*BHANG, HONEY. AND FULL Moon”: According to folklore, if 
bhang is collected from the plant during a full moon, it yields 
enormous amounts of resin of high quality, which is mixed with 
honey before consumption. Folklore thus becomes practical 
on occasions during the spring and early summer, when Can- 
aabis produces copious amounts of resin, a fairly well estab- 
207 
