Dry Days in August 2026: Liquor sales will be prohibited or restricted on certain dates in August in different parts of India. While August 15, Independence Day, is a nationwide dry day, additional restrictions may apply in specific states and cities depending on local excise notifications.
On a dry day, liquor shops and other retail outlets selling alcoholic beverages are required to remain closed. In jurisdictions where the restriction applies to on-premise consumption, bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels may also be prohibited from selling or serving alcohol.
When Are Dry Days Declared?
Dry days in India are decided by the government and respective state excise authorities. They are generally observed on national occasions, major religious festivals and other important events. State governments can also declare additional dry days based on local festivals, law-and-order considerations and elections.
→ Bira 91 Revival Plan Anicut-Led Board Offers to Buy Out Key Investors→ AB InBev Plans Smaller Packs, Protein Beers and Non-Beer Drinks to Adapt to Changing Consumer Preferences
Therefore, a date being a public or religious holiday does not automatically mean that liquor sales are prohibited throughout India. The applicable state or local excise notification should always be checked before making a purchase or planning an event.
Dry Days in August 2026
August 15, 2026 — Independence Day
Saturday, August 15, 2026, is Independence Day and is observed as a nationwide dry day. Liquor shops and other retail outlets selling alcohol will remain closed across the country, subject to applicable state regulations.
The restriction is intended to ensure that the national occasion is observed peacefully and to maintain public order.
August 25–26, 2026 — Eid-e-Milad / Milad-un-Nabi
Eid-e-Milad / Milad-un-Nabi falls around August 25–26, 2026, with the date subject to religious-calendar and moon-sighting considerations. Government holiday calendars list August 26 as Milad-un-Nabi in several parts of India.
However, the liquor-sale restriction on this occasion is not uniform across India. Some states and cities may declare a dry day through their respective excise departments. Consumers and liquor retailers should therefore check the local notification applicable to their area.
August 26, 2026 — Thiruvonam / Onam in Kerala
In Kerala, Thiruvonam falls on August 26, 2026. The Kerala Government’s 2026 holiday calendar lists First Onam on August 25 and Thiruvonam on August 26.
Liquor-sale restrictions in Kerala are governed separately by the state’s excise regulations and notifications. Retailers should follow the latest order issued by the Kerala Excise Department regarding closure of liquor outlets during Onam.
Looking Ahead: Dry Days in September 2026
Several dates in September may also see liquor-sale restrictions in particular states and cities:
- September 4, 2026 — Janmashtami: Dry-day restrictions may apply in certain states and cities.
- September 14, 2026 — Ganesh Chaturthi: Restrictions are expected in Maharashtra and Karnataka, subject to local notifications.
- September 25, 2026 — Anant Chaturdashi: A dry day is observed in Maharashtra, subject to the applicable state notification.
Janmashtami in 2026 falls on September 4, according to the festival calendar.
Important Note for Consumers and Retailers
Dry-day rules can vary significantly from one state, district or city to another. In some cases, restrictions may apply only to retail liquor shops, while in others they may also cover bars, restaurants, hotels and other establishments serving alcohol.
Retailers and consumers are advised to check the latest notification issued by the concerned State Excise Department before assuming that a particular date is a dry day. Violations of applicable liquor-sale restrictions can result in administrative or legal action.
About the Author
