How to Make Traditional Thandai with Vijaya Powder at Home

Thandai is one of India's oldest festive drinks, traditionally served during Holi and Maha Shivaratri. A cooling, nutty, spiced milk drink on its own, it takes on its classical Ayurvedic form when blended with Vijaya (Bhang) leaf powder — a preparation with roots going back centuries. Here's how to make it at home, the traditional way.

What You'll Need (Serves 4)

  • 1 litre full-fat milk
  • 2 tablespoons Vijaya (Bhang) leaf powder — such as Canavibe's Herbal Powder range
  • 10–12 almonds
  • 10–12 cashews
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  • 4–5 green cardamom pods
  • A few strands of saffron
  • 1 teaspoon rose water
  • Sugar or jaggery, to taste
  • A handful of ice, for serving

Step-by-Step Recipe

  1. Soak the nuts and spices. Soak the almonds, cashews, fennel seeds, and cardamom in a little warm water for 1–2 hours, then drain.
  2. Grind into a paste. Blend the soaked nuts and spices with a splash of milk until you have a smooth, fine paste. In a separate small bowl, grind the Vijaya leaf powder with a spoonful of milk into its own smooth paste — this helps it blend evenly rather than clumping later.
  3. Combine with milk. In a large bowl or jug, whisk the nut-spice paste and the Vijaya paste into the full-fat milk until fully combined.
  4. Add saffron, rose water, and sweetener. Stir in the saffron strands, rose water, and sugar or jaggery to taste.
  5. Strain. Pass the mixture through a fine muslin cloth or sieve to remove any remaining solids, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
  6. Chill and serve. Refrigerate for at least an hour, then serve over ice, garnished with a few extra saffron strands or crushed nuts.

A Note on Dosage in Homemade Preparations

Unlike a pre-measured Vijaya Goli or Vati, homemade Thandai makes it harder to know exactly how much you're consuming per glass, since potency can vary and the recipe is typically shared across multiple servings. If you're new to Vijaya preparations, start with a smaller glass, wait at least 90 minutes before having more, and avoid serving to guests without letting them know what's in it. Thandai made this way is traditionally an adult, festive preparation — not one for children or anyone under 21.

A Simpler Alternative

If you'd rather skip the grinding and straining, Canavibe's ready-made Thandai Powder blends are formulated for a consistent, traditional flavour — just mix with cold milk and serve.

Wellness Disclaimer: Canavibe products are traditional Ayurvedic wellness formulations, not medicines or drugs. They support relaxation, calm and focus as part of a general wellness routine — they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by AYUSH or any regulatory authority. Individual results may vary. Our products are non-addictive and do not cause withdrawal symptoms; however, consuming a large quantity in a single sitting may cause temporary tiredness or drowsiness — drink plenty of water and consume responsibly. Consult a qualified physician or Ayurvedic practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have an existing medical condition. Not intended for use by anyone under 21. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if you experience any adverse reaction. Keep out of reach of children. Availability of Vijaya (Bhang) products is subject to state-level regulation in India — please confirm local rules before ordering.