Ever planned an epic party, only to rush out for some last-minute booze and find the liquor shops closed due to a dry day? We can totally imagine that disappointment! To avoid the stress and disappointment, mark your calendars for the dry days in September. Stay ahead of the game and plan your party wisely to ensure a smooth and fun celebration. Here’s a list of dry days in September!
In India, there are specific festivals and events during which the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Although individuals can still consume alcohol at home, it cannot be sold in liquor stores, hotels, bars, or restaurants on these days, which are referred to as "dry days." The observance of dry days can vary across different states.
This September, there are several religiously significant days, including Ganesh Visarjan, Pitru Paksha, and Sharad Navratri; however, the month will have only two designated dry days.
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5th September 2025
This year, Eid-e-Milad will be observed on 5th September. Eid-e-Milad, also known as Milad-un-Nabi, is a Muslim festival that celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
It is a time of reflection, joy, and community gathering, and falls in the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The occasion is marked with prayers, religious gatherings, public processions, and acts of charity, such as distributing sweets to the needy. People wear new clothes, visit mosques, attend prayers, and seek blessings from Allah.
As per tradition, in order to maintain the sanctity of the day, liquor shops remain closed.
Also Read: Can I Drive After One Drink In India? How Alcohol Limits Work In India
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6th September 2025
This year, September 6th marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi, known as Anant Chaturdashi or Ganesh Chaudas. On this day, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing the idols in various water bodies, depending on the size of the idol.
As Ganesh Chaturthi is the most grand festival in Maharashtra, Anant Chaturdashi is also celebrated on an enormous scale. The atmosphere is filled with mixed emotions of happiness and sadness as people chant slogans, burst crackers, play music, and bid farewell to the deity, inviting him to come back soon.
Out of respect for this religious day, it is observed as a dry day only in Maharashtra.
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The festival of Shardiya Navratri will begin from September 22, 2025, and end on October 1, 2025. According to the official list of dry days, there are no nationwide dry days declared for Navratri.
In India, the sale and public service of alcohol is banned on dry days, including to local people and foreigners. However, there are some notable exceptions:
Some bars, especially in major cities like Mumbai, have policies that allow only foreign nationals to be served alcohol on dry days. Foreigners are required to show their passports as proof of nationality to be served alcohol on these days.
Five-star hotels and licensed clubs may also serve alcohol to foreign guests during dry days, depending on local state laws and permissions.
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Dry day restrictions are typically enforced on significant religious and national occasions to prevent public disturbances. It helps to uphold law and order.
Notably, some states like Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Lakshadweep have a complete ban on alcohol sales throughout the year, adhering to stricter regulations.
Knowing dry days is important for restaurateurs and hospitality services as they have to do careful planning, such as rescheduling events by adhering to state regulations. Meanwhile, individuals can benefit from knowing these dates in advance to avoid last-minute hassles when organizing any parties or stocking up on their booze.
Make sure you check the list and adhere to the days, and plan your parties well in advance. So, no more ruined plans or bad vibes, just pure party enjoyment!
