YAANA / Brand Identity & Packaging

YAANA is a ceremonial bhang-infused (cannabis) beverage created for adults during meaningful life transitions, especially weddings and sacred celebrations.

The name Yaana means “journey” in Sanskrit, reflecting both physical and emotional movement. The brand is rooted in Indian ritual culture but reimagined for modern occasions.

YAANA is not about intoxication. It is about presence during transformation.

Food & Beverage | Brand Identity Design | Graphic Design

Bhang is a traditional Indian drink made from cannabis leaves and buds, and it has deep roots in Indian mythology and culture. It is most commonly associated with Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity connected to meditation, destruction of ego, and higher consciousness.

According to legend, Shiva consumed cannabis to calm his body and enter deeper states of awareness. Over centuries, bhang became part of major Indian festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri, where it was consumed in controlled, ceremonial settings. It wasn’t originally about intoxication; it was about shifting perception, slowing down, and stepping into a different state of mind during spiritual or communal moments.

The snake in YAANA’s branding comes from its connection to Lord Shiva, who is often shown with a serpent around his neck. In Indian symbolism, the snake represents transformation, renewal, and controlled power, it sheds its skin, just like people shed old versions of themselves during major life transitions. Since YAANA is positioned as a ceremonial drink for moments like weddings, the snake becomes a symbol of becoming, leaving one phase behind and entering another. It reinforces the idea that YAANA is not just a drink, but part of a ritual marking change.

Working on YAANA honestly made me slow down and think about how culture, memory, and emotion can live inside design. Connecting a Chinese film to Indian ritual traditions felt unexpected but meaningful, and it pushed me to trust my ideas more. This project didn’t just feel like branding, it felt like building something layered, personal, and intentional. Thank you for viewing my work. If you're interested in working together, please feel free to get in touch with me below!