Lassi

Lassi is a chilled Indian beverage, based on yogurt thinned with water, mixed with various spices, blended to the consistency of a milkshake or smoothie. Some varieties are savory, while others are sweet.

A popular variety of lassi in parts of India is bhang lassi, also called "special lassi". Because it is sold via government stalls in Rajasthan, among other areas, tourists sometimes do not realize that "bhang" is the local term for marijuana. Marijuana is technically illegal in India, but because it is sacred to Shiva, it is tolerated in some areas. The potency, as well as other intoxicants both legal and illegal that may be blended in, vary widely from shop to shop. Tourists should beware, and are warned against participating in illegal activities.

• Warning: Marijuana is illegal. Mahalo is only linking to these pages for informational purposes.

• Lycaeum: Bhang Lassi

• IndiaCurry.com: Bhang Lassi

• India Travel Forum: Avoiding Bhang Lassi