Imagine this: you’re pumped to throw a party with your friends, excited to spend the evening with unlimited booze and delicious food. You make your way to the nearest liquor retail store, but unfortunately, it’s shut! The reason? A dry day you didn’t know about! Such unexpected shockers can be completely disappointing and spoil your party mood, but worry not, that won’t happen in 2026. We’ve covered upcoming dry days in India 2026, including a full list of national, festival & election dates in India!
14th January, Wednesday
Occasion: Makar Sankranti / Sankranthi / Sankranth
The Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti is one of the most revered festivals in India. Observed by the majority of Hindu communities across India, the festival is observed as a dry day in many states, like Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc.
26th January, Monday
Occasion: Republic Day
26th January is a national holiday as it is celebrated as the Republic Day of India. The sale of alcohol on national holidays is prohibited across India, so 26th January will be a dry day.
30th January, Friday
Occasion: Shaheed Diwas
Observed only in Maharashtra, Shaheed Diwas is a day to honor the sacrifice of Maharashtra’s martyrs. Liquor stores will be shut on this day in Maharashtra.
15th February, Sunday
Occasion: Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is regarded as one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated across India. As it holds religious importance, it will be a dry day across most states in India.
19th February, Thursday
Occasion: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti
19th February marks the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As it is a day of great importance in Maharashtra’s history and culture, it is observed as a dry day in the state.
23rd February, Monday
Occasion: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
23rd February is observed as Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti in some parts of India, especially by the Arya Samaj community across India. As it was a dry day in 2025, there are chances that it might be a dry day in 2026 as well, so check with your local state regulations about updates on the same.
4th March, Wednesday
Occasion: Holi (festival of colors)
Holi (not to be confused with Holika Dahan) is yet another important religious and cultural celebration observed across India. To maintain social order on such an important day, most states will observe a dry day.
19th-20th March, Thursday-Friday
Occasion: Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr celebrations will begin from the evening of 19th March. As it marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan for Muslims, the day holds special religious significance. It will be observed as a dry day throughout the country; however, we recommend checking with local regulations.
27th March, Friday
Occasion: Ram Navami
Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an important deity in Hinduism. The day holds religious significance for Hindus across India, so it is observed as a dry day in most parts of India, especially in North India.
31st March, Tuesday
Occasion: Mahavir Jayanti
The day holds religious significance among the Jain community, which is why it is observed as a dry day throughout India.
3rd April, Friday
Occasion: Good Friday
Good Friday is celebrated as a major Christian day observing the crucifixion of Jesus. As it holds religious significance, it is observed as a dry day across India.
14th April, Tuesday
Occasion: Ambedkar Jayanti
14th April marks the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. The day is observed as a dry day to honor his legacy.
1st May, Friday
Occasion: Maharashtra Day & Buddha Purnima
Expect liquor shops in Maharashtra to be closed on 1st May as it is the celebration of the foundation day of Maharashtra. In 2026, Buddha Purnima, a major religious celebration, will also coincide with Maharashtra Day.
26th-27th May, Tuesday-Wednesday
Occasion: Eid al-Adha
Depending on the moon sighting, Eid al-Adha will be observed on either the 26th or the 27th of May. The festival, holding religious significance, will be a dry day across India.
26th June, Friday
Occasion: Muharram
Muharram marks the Islamic New Year, and as it is an important religious day in Islam, it will be a dry day in most parts of India.
Also Read: What Indians Drink During Winter: A Regional Guide from Kashmir To Kerala
25th July, Saturday
Occasion: Ashadi Ekadashi
Also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, the religious festival might be a dry day in some parts of India, such as Maharashtra and Gujarat.
29th July, Wednesday
Occasion: Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a full moon day observed as an important celebration in Hinduism. As the day holds spiritual and religious significance in Hinduism, Guru Purnima might be a dry day in some parts of India, especially North India.
15th August, Saturday
Occasion: Independence Day
Independence Day is a national holiday marking India’s Independence. The day will be observed as a dry day throughout the country.
25th August, Tuesday
Occasion: Eid e Milad
Eid e Milad is a major religious festival in Islam. As it holds religious significance, the day will be observed as a dry day in India.
4th September, Friday
Occasion: Janmashtami
Janmashtami is a famous festival celebrated in most parts of India, majorly North and Central India. The Hindu festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna and will be marked as a dry day.
14th September, Monday
Occasion: Ganesh Chaturthi
The first day of Ganesh Chaturthi is observed as a dry day in Maharashtra and a few other states. The festival holds special significance amongst practicing Hindus not only across India but in many parts of the world.
25th September, Friday
Occasion: Anant Chaturdashi
Anant Chaturdashi marks the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in most parts of India. So expect liquor stores to be closed in most states where the festival is a major celebration.
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2nd October, Friday
Occasion: Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This is why the day is observed as a dry day in all states of India.
20th October, Tuesday
Occasion: Dussehra
Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated in many parts of India, including North and South India. As it holds religious significance, the day will be a dry day in some parts of India.
26th October, Monday
Occasion: Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Maharshi Valmiki is observed as a dry day exclusively in Delhi. The day celebrates the birth of the great Indian poet and guru Valmiki, credited with authoring the Ramayana, a major Hindu epic.
Also Read: 10 Indian Snacks That Pair Perfectly With Beer (Beyond Just Chips & Peanuts)
5th November, Thursday
Occasion: Diwali
The festival of lights is a major Hindu festival. However, it will be a dry day only in Delhi. For other states and regions, kindly check with local authorities.
24th November, Tuesday
Occasion: Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a Sikh festival celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Devji, the founder of Sikhism. As it holds religious significance in Sikhism, the day will be observed as a dry day in some parts of India, majorly Punjab, Haryana, and a few other North Indian states.
25th December, Friday
Occasion: Christmas
Christmas is a major religious celebration across India, marking Jesus Christ’s birth. On this day, liquor retail bars will be shut to honor the religious significance of this festival.
Did you take note of all these dry days in 2026? Dry days are observed on certain days that hold national, cultural, or religious significance. This is to uphold cultural values and maintain religious tolerance as well as prevent public disturbances. Even though the sale of alcohol is prohibited on dry days, private consumption is not. Which means you can consume alcohol within your homes or inside bars and restaurants if they allow. So for 2026, it's time to mark your calendars, stock up on your beloved liquor, and celebrate!
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