Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru go dry for festivals – Full list of no-liquor days

Representative image.

As India’s festival season begins this month, major cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have announced a series of dry days, temporarily halting the sale of alcohol across bars, pubs and liquor shops.

The restrictions, imposed for national holidays and religious observances, will see complete 24-hour closures in key areas, according to a Live Mint report.

Delhi

The Delhi government has declared consecutive dry days this week, with liquor sales prohibited on August 15 for Independence Day and August 16 for Janmashtami, as per an excise department order cited by HT. Additionally, all licensed liquor vendors, bars and clubs will remain shut on October 2, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Mumbai

In Mumbai, authorities have imposed a stringent ban on alcohol sales during Ganesh Chaturthi, which runs from August 27 to September 6. The state excise department has confirmed dry days on the festival’s first and last days (August 27 and September 6), with possible extensions depending on public gatherings.

If necessary, restrictions may be imposed throughout the 10-day festival, stated the Live Mint report, noting that while private consumption isn’t banned, purchasing alcohol will be prohibited. The city will also observe dry days on August 15 and 16 for Independence Day and Janmashtami.

Bengaluru

Bengaluru will enforce a 48-hour dry period on August 15 and 16, mirroring Delhi and Mumbai’s restrictions. The administration is also considering additional dry days for Ganesh Chaturthi (August 27) and the immersion procession on September 6, though final decisions are pending.