Dry Days 2026: Will Liquor Shops Be Open or Closed in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru? City-Wise Dry Day List

Alcohol will not be sold on 28 notified dry days in 2026 in major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. These no-liquor days cover key national holidays and many major religious festivals between January and December, under state excise notifications.

On each dry day, retail liquor outlets, bars, pubs and similar venues must stay closed. Service of alcohol is barred on these dates, which include Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Holi, Diwali, Eid festivals and Christmas, among other observances.

Dry Days 2026 calendar across major Indian cities

Dry days apply across the year and vary slightly by state, with some dates specific to Maharashtra, Karnataka or Delhi-NCR. The list below shows the announced dry days for 2026, month by month, and notes where restrictions are limited to certain regions.

Dry Days 2026 rules for liquor outlets and travellers

Dry days 2026 rules stem from annual circulars issued by state excise departments. These directions bind licence holders across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and other large cities. Outlets that usually serve or sell alcohol must stop operations for the full calendar day.

Most dates are linked to national importance or major religious events, so authorities extend the restrictions widely. Some observances, such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi and Anant Chaturdashi, are notified only in Maharashtra or in both Maharashtra and Karnataka.

For Delhi-NCR, Diwali on 8 November 2026 is officially listed as a dry day. In contrast, Ganesh Chaturthi restrictions apply specifically to Maharashtra and Karnataka, while Shaheed Diwas and Anant Chaturdashi are notified only for Maharashtra, reflecting local practices.

The 28 dry days 2026 schedule means residents and visitors need to plan purchases and celebrations in advance. With bars, pubs and retail stores closed on these notified dates, people in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru must adjust social and travel plans accordingly.

Credit: Oneindia