&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "No 'dry day' on Holi as liquor shops to remain open in Delhi; to be shut on these days in March")
March is set to be a festive month in India, marked by major celebrations such as Holi and Ram Navami. However, those planning to celebrate with alcohol should be aware that several of these occasions are observed as dry days in many parts of the country.
What are dry days?
Dry days are specific dates when the sale of alcohol is prohibited. On these days, liquor shops remain closed, and restaurants, bars, hotels, and clubs are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.
Dry days in March 2026
There will be five dry days in March 2026 due to significant religious and national observances:
- March 4 (Wednesday): Holi
- March 21 (Friday): Eid-ul-Fitr
- March 23 (Monday): Shaheed Diwas (Maharashtra only)
- March 26 (Friday): Ram Navami
- March 31 (Tuesday): Mahavir Jayanti
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Medical nightmare': What Stryker hit by Iran-linked cyberattack means for millions of Americans?
)
Israel's 'huge mistake' amid Iran war: Did Tel Aviv attack North Korea's embassy in Tehran? Here’s the truth | Fact Check
)
'Nobel Cannibal': Khamenei’s X account posts ghastly Trump cartoon after POTUS floats Tomahawk theory on Iran school strike
)
LPG shortage: Bought a Rs 9,000 commercial induction cooktop for Rs 23,000, says Mumbai restaurateur
)
India's crude vessel reaches Mumbai port after Iran's nod, MEA says 'shipping safety was discussed' in call with Iran FM, Jaishankar
)
Dubai Creek Harbour strike: Drone hits luxury residential building, sparking major fire and evacuations amid Iran war — Watch
)
Brain dead woman comes back to life in India after ambulance hits huge pothole on UP highway
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Pentagon's soft target': How Stryker hack is hitting US military hospitals
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FACT CHECK: Benjamin Netanyahu assassinated in Iranian strike? Truth behind massive claim
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
The EA-18G Growler: How the USS Abraham Lincoln entirely blinds Iran's coastal radars
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Stryker hit': Who is Handala, the Iran-linked hacker group that attacked US medical giant?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Global strategic oil reserves explained: How long US, China, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and UK can survive an oil supply crisis
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'ALERT in California': FBI warns Iran can attack mainland US using drones onboard a ghost ship
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
A 100,000-tonne beast: How the USS Abraham Lincoln still moves at 30 knots while fully loaded
)
Iran sets three conditions to end war even as Trump declared 'US has won' — What are these and will the conflict end soon?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'$100 billion medical giant': What is Stryker Corp, that got hit by Iran-linked cyberattack?
Other common dry days in India
In addition to these dates, several major festivals and national events are typically observed as dry days across various states. These often include Diwali, Holi, Gandhi Jayanti, Ambedkar Jayanti, and Christmas. Dry days may also be imposed during municipal, state assembly, or general elections, when authorities temporarily ban liquor sales to maintain law and order.
Holi and Delhi’s policy shift
Historically, Holi has been observed as a dry day in Delhi to prevent disturbances during the celebrations. The only major exception came in 2022 under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s excise policy, which reduced the annual number of dry days to three. After that period, Delhi reverted to its traditional list of restricted days. However, a recent January directive removed Holi from the dry day list once again.
Notably, the BJP, which currently administers Delhi and has now excluded Holi from the dry days list, had earlier criticized the AAP government for implementing a similar reduction in 2022. The move marks a significant shift in political stance.
