February is the shortest month of the year but if you want to celebrate the month, hold on! Before that, you must take note of dry days in February 2026! The month has a few dry days that you must note down and plan accordingly. Whether you’re stocking up on your favorite spirits or planning a dinner date, it pays to know what’s coming – especially if the month has several dry days. Here is a rundown of the dry days in February 2026.
Dry days are specific days when the sale of alcohol is prohibited by law. This restriction is applicable to restaurants, bars, pubs, liquor retail shops, and some hotels too. While dry days prohibit the sale of alcohol, they can vary depending on individual state laws.
In India, several events, festivals, occasions, and events hold religious, cultural, or national importance. Festivals like Holi, Ganeshotsav, Christmas, etc hold religious and cultural significance, whereas Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti hold national importance. Not just festivals and occasions, days such as national/state-specific voting days are declared ‘dry days’.
These days are declared so to honor the cultural/national importance of these events. Declaring them as ‘dry days’ helps maintain law and order and avoid situations of public nuisance.
In February 2026, there will be three dry days. Two of these days will be observed in almost all states, while the third one will be restricted to Maharashtra only.
List of dry days in India in February 2026:
Is February 15 a dry day in Delhi/Mumbai?
Yes, February 15 will be a dry day in India. This is because Maha Shivratri falls on February 15, 2026. The festival holds religious significance for the Hindu majority in India, which is why it will be observed as a ‘dry day’ in India.
Is February 19 a dry day in Delhi/Mumbai?
February 19 will be a dry day only in Maharashtra, including Mumbai. It marks the birth anniversary of the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a respected figure in Maharashtra. On this day, liquor shops and other establishments serving liquor will be prohibited from serving alcohol to honor his legacy.
Is February 23 a dry day in Delhi/Mumbai?
Yes, February 23 will be a dry day in India. It marks the birth anniversary of revered philosopher, social leader, and founder of Arya Samaj, Swami Dayanand Saraswati. The day will be a dry day to honor his teachings and legacy.
The ban on alcohol sale is applicable to all licensed liquor vendors, including hotels, restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and more. However, there is limited exemption for hotels that hold L-15 or L-15F licenses. These licenses are typically issued to star-category hotels that are approved by the Tourism Department. Establishments holding these licenses may serve alcohol to guests in their room on dry days. However, sale and consumption of alcohol will remain prohibited at the bars and in public areas of these establishments.
In this article, we had a concise glimpse into the dry days in February 2026. There will be three major days on which sale and public consumption of alcohol will be banned. These are Maha Shivratri, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, and Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti. Time to plan your celebrations and stock up if necessary!
No, Valentine’s Day will not be a dry day in India. As it is not an Indian festival or occasion or a day of national importance, it will not be observed as a dry day in the country.
Unfortunately, bars will not be open in Delhi on Maha Shivratri. By law, bars and other establishments serving liquor will be prohibited from alcohol sale as it is a dry day in India.
If you plan to host a celebration or a party on February 15 which might include alcohol, it is recommended to stock up beforehand. As liquor shops will be closed by law on February 15, you would not be able to legally purchase alcohol on that day.
