The month of November is just around the corner, and this year, it is set to begin on a spiritual note as Sikhs will be celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 5. Where it's a spiritually significant event, the question many of you might have is whether Guru Nanak Jayanti is a dry day in India. The answer is “Yes”. Guru Nanak Jayanti is a nationwide dry day in India. Here’s more information about the same:
In India, a dry day refers to some dates or days that are specifically notified when the sale of alcohol is banned by the government. On these days, there are various restrictions applied to licensed outlets like liquor shops, bars, and hotels on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Though the consumption of alcohol at home is not prohibited.
List of dry days in India
Liquor regulation is state-specific; every state has its own list.
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Yes, a dry day is observed on Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab in India. This day is of utmost importance for the Sikhs across the world as it is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He is the first of the ten Sikh gurus and also the founder of Sikhism.
The festival is a significant time for reflecting on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on unity, equality, and community service. It is a time for devotion and reinforcing the core principles of faith. The day reminds people of his values and how they must practice it daily in their lives.
Sikhs on this day celebrate the birth of their guru with kirtans, langar, reading Guru Granth Sahib, and nagar kirtan as well. This day is observed as a dry day in order to respect the religious significance of the event.
Maharashtra: Liquor shops, bars, and restaurants cannot sell alcohol on Guru Nanak Jayanti; dry day rules are enforced throughout the state.
Punjab: Alcohol sale is prohibited in public establishments to honor Guru Nanak Jayanti, especially along procession routes in major cities.
Haryana: The state observes Guru Nanak Jayanti as a dry day, prohibiting alcohol sales in licensed shops and hotels.
Uttar Pradesh: Liquor sale is banned statewide on Guru Nanak Jayanti, with strict monitoring by authorities near shops and public spaces.
Madhya Pradesh: Sale of alcohol is not allowed at licensed outlets during Guru Nanak Jayanti observances in the state
Karnataka: Guru Nanak Jayanti is declared a dry day with restrictions on alcohol sales in public outlets across Karnataka.
Rajasthan: Rajasthan enforces a ban on alcohol sales in licensed shops and restaurants on Guru Nanak Jayanti.
West Bengal: The state bans liquor sales at all public bars and shops on Guru Nanak Jayanti in accordance with dry day notifications.
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There are several religiously significant days in November 2025, but not all of them are dry days. Other than Guru Nanak Jayanti, there are only two days that are designated as dry days in November, and they are as follows
November 1, 2025: Kartiki Ekadashi
November 24, 2025: Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas
Also Read: Is There A Dry Day In November? What Are The Dates?
Most of the states in India, especially the ones with huge Sikh populations, will be observing a dry day in India on Guru Nanak Jayanti. So if you are thinking about partying in any of the states, make sure you check the official calendar and then plan accordingly.
