New Delhi, India — December 30, 2025
India to Observe Multiple Dry Days in 2026 on National Holidays and Religious Festivals
In 2026, liquor shops and alcohol outlets across India will remain closed on several occasions designated as “Dry Days.” On these days, the sale of alcohol is prohibited under state excise laws, primarily during national holidays, religious festivals, and significant observances.
While three dry days are mandatory nationwide, additional closures vary by state depending on local regulations and religious calendars.
🇮🇳 Mandatory National Dry Days (All States and UTs)
Alcohol sales are prohibited across all of India on the following national holidays:
January 26 (Monday): Republic Day
August 15 (Saturday): Independence Day
October 2 (Friday): Gandhi Jayanti
📅 Month-Wise Dry Day List for 2026 (Tentative)
January
January 14 (Wednesday): Makar Sankranti — Delhi, Mumbai, and select states
January 30 (Friday): Martyrs’ Day — Maharashtra, Delhi
March
March 4 (Wednesday): Holi — Most states
March 21 (Saturday): Eid-ul-Fitr — Most states
March 26 (Thursday): Ram Navami — Delhi and North India
March 31 (Tuesday): Mahavir Jayanti — Most states
April
April 3 (Friday): Good Friday — Select states
April 14 (Tuesday): Ambedkar Jayanti — Most states
May
May 1 (Friday): Buddha Purnima / Maharashtra Day — Maharashtra and others
May 27 (Wednesday): Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha) — Nationwide
June
June 26 (Friday): Muharram — Most states
August
August 26 (Wednesday): Eid-e-Milad — Select states
September
September 4 (Friday): Janmashtami — Most states
October
October 20 (Tuesday): Dussehra (Vijayadashami) — Nationwide
November
November 8 (Sunday): Diwali — Nationwide
November 24 (Tuesday): Guru Nanak Jayanti — Most states
December
December 25 (Friday): Christmas — Select states
📌 Important Regulatory Notes
Election-Related Dry Days:
If elections or by-elections are held in your area in 2026, liquor shops will remain closed 48 hours before polling and on counting day.Dry States:
States and regions such as Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep enforce a year-round ban on alcohol sales.Duration of Dry Days:
Most dry days last 24 hours, though some states may restrict sales only during specific religious processions or events.
For the most accurate and updated information, residents are advised to consult their state excise department’s official website or local notifications.
