- By Deeksha Gour
- Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Diwali Dry Day: As the festive season kicks off with Dhanteras, many are wondering whether liquor shops will remain open during the celebrations. While outlets are operating normally today and will also remain open on Bhai Dooj, Diwali has been declared a dry day in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
Dry Day Declared On Diwali In Many States
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh And Delhi have ordered a complete ban on the sale of alcohol during Diwali. The restriction applies to all licensed outlets, whether government-run or privately owned. Restaurants and hotels will also not be allowed to serve alcohol on dry days.
The Excise Department has intensified monitoring to ensure compliance with the orders. Officials have also warned that consuming alcohol in public places or near liquor shops could attract fines or legal action.
Dry Days In October
This comes after several alcohol bans imposed in October. Liquor shops in Uttar Pradesh were closed on October 1 for Ram Navami, on October 2 for Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti, and on October 7 for Valmiki Jayanti, which was also observed as a public holiday. In Punjab, shops selling liquor and meat were ordered shut along procession routes in districts such as Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar on October 6 and 7.
Upcoming Dry Days In November And December
The authorities have already listed several dry days for the coming months. In November, liquor sales will be prohibited on Kartiki Ekadashi (November 1), Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 5) and Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas (November 24). In December, Christmas (December 25) will also be observed as a dry day across multiple states.