Dry Day Schedule During Indian Festivals: Liquor Availability on Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj

Public consumption of alcohol during dry days can result in financial penalties and potential legal action.

With Dhanteras marking the beginning of the festive season today, many are wondering about alcohol availability during celebrations. A common question is whether today is a dry day, and if liquor outlets will operate during Diwali and Bhai Dooj.

Consumers should note that liquor establishments will remain open for business on Dhanteras and Bhai Dooj. However, Diwali has been designated as a dry day across multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.

On designated dry days, alcohol sales are completely prohibited at all licensed venues, including both government-operated and privately-owned establishments. Additionally, restaurants and hotels are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages during these periods.

As festivities increase, the Excise Department has intensified its surveillance efforts to ensure adherence to alcohol regulations. Officials have issued clear warnings against consuming alcohol in public areas or near retail liquor outlets.

Those who consume alcohol in open public spaces on dry days may face monetary penalties and possible legal consequences.

This follows previous alcohol restrictions in October when liquor outlets were closed across several states. In Uttar Pradesh, closures occurred on October 1 for Ram Navami and on October 2 for Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.

Additionally, the Yogi Adityanath administration declared October 7 a public holiday in Uttar Pradesh to commemorate Valmiki Jayanti. In Punjab, both liquor and meat shops along procession routes were closed on October 6 and 7 in select districts of Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Jalandhar.

Officials have also announced upcoming dry days for November and December, when liquor establishments will temporarily cease operations.

In November, alcohol sales will be suspended for Kartiki Ekadashi on November 1, Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 5, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas on November 24 across various states. December will see a dry day on December 25 for Christmas celebrations in numerous regions.