In Uttar Pradesh, liquor shops will remain closed on November 15 and 20 due to dry days. On November 15, the closure is in observance of Kartik Purnima, a significant religious occasion. All liquor outlets, including those selling local alcohol, government-approved bhang, wine shops, English liquor stores, and model beer shops, will be shut. There will also be a ban on serving alcohol in hotels and restaurants on this day.
On November 20, liquor shops will remain closed in nine districts of the state due to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly by-elections. These dry days are observed to ensure smooth election proceedings and maintain public order.
Additionally, liquor shops in the state were also closed on several occasions in October, including on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), Dussehra, and Valmiki Jayanti. During the Haryana elections, dry days were observed on October 5 and 8 in five districts of UP.
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The state also observes dry days during various other religious and national occasions. For example, in April, liquor shops were closed on Ram Navami (April 17), Mahavir Jayanti (April 21), and Ambedkar Jayanti (April 14). Shops were also shut on Holi (March 25), Good Friday (March 29), and Maha Shivaratri (March 8). Upcoming dry days include January 22, 2024, for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
These dry days are declared to respect cultural, religious, and national events, with alcohol sales temporarily suspended to maintain order and discipline.
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