Dhanteras is one of those days when people are busy shopping for gold, utensils, gifts and things for the festive season. If you're planning to pick up a bottle for a family gathering or a Diwali party, there is one thing worth checking before heading out: whether liquor shops will be open.
In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November, while Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November. Liquor shop timings and dry-day rules are not the same across Delhi, Mumbai and Gurgaon, so the answer depends on the excise rules in each location. Based on the official information currently available, Dhanteras itself is not listed as a routine dry day in these three locations. However, local authorities can issue additional restrictions, so it is worth checking for a fresh notification closer to the date.
Liquor shops are expected to remain open in Delhi on Dhanteras, 6 November 2026, unless a new dry-day order is issued.
The Delhi Excise Department declares dry days under Rule 52 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010. Its official website publishes dry-day notifications, and the rules require licensed premises to close on dates that have been formally notified. The department also explains that dry days affect retail liquor sales, although specific exemptions may apply to certain licensed hotel services.
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The important date for Diwali shoppers is 8 November 2026, when Diwali falls. Delhi has announced a dry day for Diwali, along with Guru Nanak Jayanti on 24 November, according to the latest reported excise order. Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, is a separate date and should not automatically be treated as a dry day simply because it is part of the festive period.
If you are buying alcohol for a gathering, check the Delhi Excise Department's latest notifications before setting out. A new order can change the position.
In Mumbai, liquor shops are also expected to be open on Dhanteras, 6 November, provided no additional local dry-day order is issued.
Maharashtra has its own list of statutory dry days under the state's excise rules. The Maharashtra State Excise Department lists dates including Republic Day, Martyrs' Day, Maharashtra Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Anant Chaturdashi and Kartiki Ekadashi. Dhanteras is not among the standard dates listed in the department's guidance.
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One date to keep in mind is 5 November 2026, when Kartiki Ekadashi falls. This is a statutory dry day in Maharashtra, so liquor sales may be restricted that day. Dhanteras follows on 6 November, but shoppers should still check whether the Mumbai or district administration has announced any additional restrictions.
Do not assume that every liquor outlet will follow identical opening hours. Individual shops may have their own operating schedules, and local orders can affect sales in specific areas.
For Gurgaon, now officially known as Gurugram, liquor shops are expected to open on Dhanteras, 6 November 2026, unless Haryana authorities announce an additional restriction.
Haryana's Excise Policy for 2025-27 specifies dry-day restrictions for Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. It also provides for closures during parliamentary or state assembly elections, and elections to local bodies where applicable. Dhanteras is not included in the policy's standard dry-day list.
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This means there is no routine Dhanteras closure under the standard dates listed in the policy. Still, a separate order from the authorities or an election-related restriction could change the situation in a particular area.
If you are planning to buy alcohol in Gurugram, check with the outlet before travelling, especially if you intend to shop late in the evening.
The simplest approach is to check the latest excise notification for your city a day or two before Dhanteras. Festival dates and public holidays do not automatically become dry days, and a restriction in one state does not necessarily apply to another.
Also, remember that a dry day generally restricts the sale of alcohol, not just the opening of standalone liquor shops. Rules for bars, restaurants and hotels can differ depending on the licence they hold and the specific notification in force.
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Liquor shops in Delhi, Mumbai and Gurugram are expected to remain open on Dhanteras, Friday, 6 November 2026, under the standard dry-day rules currently available. Maharashtra observes Kartiki Ekadashi on 5 November, while Diwali is a dry day in Delhi on 8 November. Check fresh local notifications before visiting.
If you're picking up a bottle for Diwali, it is better to plan a little ahead than leave the purchase until the last minute. Check your local excise department's latest notice, confirm the shop's hours and remember that festival-week restrictions can vary between cities, even when the celebrations are the same.
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