When Are The Next Dry Days In January 2026 In India?

2026 has finally arrived and it is inviting you to relish uninterrupted pours, clink glasses, and celebrate big and small victories with a drink in your hand. But what if liquor is unavailable, thanks to a ‘dry day’ on the day you decide to celebrate? That would be a disappointing situation to get into, wouldn’t it be? No need to worry about unexpected disappointments – we’re here to help you with planning your dry days in January 2026.

Dry Days In January 2026: Occasions, Significance, And How To Plan In Advance

What Are Dry Days?

Let’s start by understanding what exactly are ‘dry days’. These days are observed on certain days that hold cultural, religious, or national importance. Dry days are observed to uphold cultural values and maintain religious tolerance. As public disturbances are likely to occur on days of national and religious importance, the government prohibits sale of liquor to maintain law and order.

While dry days prohibit the sale of liquor, you can consume alcohol within homes and establishments (only if they allow). Additionally, some states like Gujarat, Bihar, and Nagaland have been declared ‘dry states’ entirely. In these states, manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor is entirely prohibited.

Also Read: 5 Winter Cocktail Menus To Try In Mumbai This Season

Dry Days In January 2026

14th January, Wednesday

Occasion: Makar Sankranti / Sankranthi / Sankranth

Sankranthi is the Hindu festival marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn or Makara as per Hindu astrology. It marks the end of the winter and the beginning of the harvest year. The festival is characterized by kite flying and sharing sweets made from sesame and jaggery. The festival is widely celebrated across India with great zeal, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and more. Expect a dry day in these states on the day of Makar Sankranti.

26th January, Monday

Occasion: Republic Day

On 26 January, 1950, the Constitution of India officially came into effect. This day officially made India a sovereign, democratic, and republic state, replacing the British-era Government of India act. The day holds national importance as it established self-governance and guaranteed fundamental rights to Indian citizens. As the day holds national importance, it is observed as a dry day all over India. Expect bars, retail liquor shops, and other establishments to be shut.

30th January, Friday

Occasion: Shaheed Diwas

30th January is observed as Shaheed Diwas in Maharashtra. The day is observed to honor the sacrifice of the revolutionary martyrs. It will be a dry day in Maharashtra, so sale of alcohol will be prohibited in stores, restaurants-bars, and pubs.

Also Read: Which Cocktail Should You Be Drinking In 2026 According To Your Zodiac Sign?

How To Prepare For Dry Days

• Stock up on your preferred alcoholic drinks and spirits in advance if you’re running out of stock.
• If you plan to throw a party or a celebration, stock up a little extra. You don’t want to run out of liquor, especially if the occasion aligns with a dry day!
• Keep a tab on local regulations, state excise policies, and district-level updates to be updated on the dry day restrictions.
• For a change, you can fully embrace a dry day by swapping alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic ones. You can plan alcohol-free activities like painting, card games, karaoke, and more and serve healthy drinks like herbal teas and kombuchas instead of liquor.
• On dry days (and even on non-dry days), do not consume liquor in public spaces. Do not create a situation that disturbs public law and order.

Summing Up

In this article, we’ve listed down three important dry days in January 2026. These are Makar Sankranti, Republic Day, and Shaheed Diwas. While Republic Day holds national importance and will be observed as a dry day throughout India, Makar Sankranti and Shaheed Diwas will be more regional occasions that might not be dry days throughout the country. Stock up, plan your celebrations, and avoid creating public disturbances on dry days. You can get a detailed list of dry days in 2026 in the unsobered article linked here.