Big alert for party planners, hotels, bars and liquor buyers! India observes several Dry Days in 2026 when alcohol sale is completely banned in most states. These include national holidays and major festivals. Starting from January, key restrictions hit on Republic Day (January 26) – a nationwide ban – plus regional ones like Makar Sankranti.
Dry Days mean liquor shops, bars, restaurants and hotels cannot sell or serve alcohol. Stock up in advance to avoid trouble!
Know Complete Details of Dry Days 2026
Dry Days are declared under state excise laws to respect national events, religious festivals and cultural observances.
Nationwide Mandatory Dry Days (All States):
- Republic Day: January 26, 2026 (Monday)
- Independence Day: August 15, 2026 (Saturday)
- Gandhi Jayanti: October 2, 2026 (Friday)
Additional dry days vary by state – major festivals like Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi often included.
Prohibition States (Year-Round Ban): Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, Nagaland, Lakshadweep – no alcohol sale anytime.
Month-Wise Dry Day List 2026 – Major Dates Across India
Here is the complete calendar of common and major dry days (dates may vary slightly for lunar festivals; check local notifications):
- January:
- January 14 (Wednesday): Makar Sankranti/Pongal (many states including Delhi, South India)
- January 26 (Monday): Republic Day (Nationwide)
- January 30 (Friday): Martyrs’ Day/Shaheed Diwas (Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana)
- February:
- February 15 (Sunday): Maha Shivratri (widely observed)
- February 19 (Thursday): Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti (Maharashtra)
- March:
- March 3-4 (Tue-Wed): Holi (most states)
- April:
- April 3 (Friday): Good Friday (many states)
- April 14 (Tuesday): Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti (certain states)
- May:
- May 1 (Friday): Maharashtra Day (Maharashtra)
- May 28 (Thursday): Bakrid/Eid-ul-Zuha (tentative, many states)
- June:
- June 26 (Friday): Muharram (tentative)
- August:
- August 15 (Saturday): Independence Day (Nationwide)
- August 26 (Wednesday): Janmashtami (many states)
- September:
- September 4 (Friday): Ganesh Chaturthi (Maharashtra, Karnataka, others)
- October:
- October 2 (Friday): Gandhi Jayanti (Nationwide)
- October 20 (Tuesday): Dussehra/Vijaya Dashami (many states)
- November:
- November 8 (Sunday): Diwali/Laxmi Puja (Delhi NCR, many states)
- November 12 (Thursday): Guru Nanak Jayanti (Punjab, others)
- December:
- December 25 (Friday): Christmas (widely observed)
Election days: Extra dry periods (48 hours before polling + counting day) if elections in your area.
State-Wise Nuances – Major Restrictions in Popular Cities
- Delhi: Dry on Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day, Martyrs’ Day, Holi, Diwali etc.
- Maharashtra (Mumbai): Extra for Ganesh Chaturthi, Anant Chaturdashi, Shivaji Jayanti, Maharashtra Day.
- Haryana: Fewer – mainly national three + select festivals.
- South India: Pongal, regional harvest festivals.
5-star hotels sometimes exempt in some states, but rules strict in 2026.
How It Affects You – Avoid Trouble in 2026
- Party/Events: Plan non-alcohol or stock before dry days.
- Hotels & Bars: No service – loss in revenue.
- Travelers: Check destination rules.
- Tip: Buy in advance; home consumption allowed but no new purchase.
- Edge cases: Private clubs may vary; strict enforcement in dry states.
These restrictions promote respect during important days.
Planning a party or trip in 2026? Which dry day surprises you most? Comment below and share your views!
Stay updated with us for all latest government rules, festivals and restrictions in 2026.