New Delhi: We are nearly halfway through August. Tomorrow, August 15, Independence Day will be celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Government and non-government organisations, offices, schools, and colleges will mark this festival of freedom in various ways. Did you know that several festivals falling in the coming days of August will result in liquor shops remaining closed?
You might be wondering if liquor shops also observe holidays. You are likely aware that Independence Day (August 15) is observed as a ‘dry day.’ However, based on notifications from local administrations, other dates may also be designated as dry days in various states and cities. On a dry day, liquor shops, wine stores, and other retail outlets selling alcohol must remain closed. The sale of alcohol in pubs and restaurants is also completely prohibited.
When are dry days announced?
Did you know that dry day dates are determined by the government? These are usually announced for national holidays, major religious events, and other special occasions to help maintain law and order and ensure festivals are celebrated peacefully. In our country, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti are among the days commonly observed as dry days—days when the sale of alcohol is banned.
In addition to the central government, state governments can also declare additional dry days based on local festivals, religious events, and election-related regulations. Election days are also typically declared as dry days.
When will dry days occur this month?
August 15 marks Independence Day, which is a national holiday. It is a dry day. During this time, liquor shops and other stores selling alcohol will remain closed. The sale and serving of alcohol in bars, pubs, and restaurants will be prohibited by law. Additionally, August 25/26, 2026 (Tuesday/Wednesday) marks Eid-e-Milad (Milad-un-Nabi) and Thiruvonam; Eid-e-Milad is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
It is observed on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Based on local government notifications, a ‘dry day’ may be declared in certain states and cities on August 25 for Eid-e-Milad. In Kerala, a dry day will be observed on this date for Thiruvonam, in accordance with the state excise department’s notification.
Find out when the dry days fall in September.
For reference, regarding Janmashtami on September 4: ‘Dry day’ rules (prohibiting the sale of alcohol) may be implemented in some states and cities based on local excise notifications.
September 14 (Monday): A ‘dry day’ will be observed only in Maharashtra and Karnataka for Ganesh Chaturthi. On August 25 (Friday), a ‘dry day’ will be observed only in Maharashtra due to Anant Chaturdashi.
