In Maharashtra, like many Indian states, dry days are specific dates on which the sale and public service of alcoholic beverages is legally prohibited. These restrictions are imposed by the State Excise Department to honour national holidays, religious observances, major cultural celebrations, or important events like elections. On dry days, licensed liquor shops, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and home delivery services must not sell alcohol for the entire 24-hour period.
These dry days apply across Maharashtra, including cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Thane, and smaller towns. Enterprises and consumers alike are expected to plan ahead — whether stocking up in advance or adjusting event and hospitality bookings.
Why Are Dry Days Enforced?
The rationale for dry days is rooted in:
- Respect for significant events: National holidays like Republic Day or Independence Day are observed without alcohol sale to maintain decorum.
- Cultural and religious sentiments: Important festivals and holy days — for example, Holi, Ram Navami, Ganesh Chaturthi — are considered auspicious and come with societal expectations of abstinence.
- Law and order considerations: On occasions like Shaheed Diwas or major anniversaries, authorities often tighten control to reduce disturbances.
- Elections: The law also mandates dry days 48 hours before polling, on voting day, and on counting days in a given area — although these vary by schedule and location.
According to state officials and historical policies, these regulations aren’t static — and discussions about reducing the number of dry days have surfaced occasionally, although no major changes have been enacted yet.
What Happens on a Dry Day?
On a dry day:
- Alcohol sales are banned at all licensed outlets (liquor shops, bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs).
- Home delivery of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited — violations may attract fines or legal action.
- Private consumption at residences is allowed, but purchasing outside is not.
- Some premium hotels, private clubs, or social clubs might have specific exemptions based on licence conditions, but these are limited and should be confirmed locally.
Planning ahead is essential — many consumers choose to stock up a day before a dry day, and hospitality businesses often promote mocktail menus or alternative activities during these periods.
Complete List of Dry Days: Maharashtra (2025)
Here’s the full list of dry days for the year 2025 based on official excise department calendars and verified sources. Note that dates may be subject to change if the government issues updates or declares additional dry days for special reasons (e.g., sudden elections).
January
- 14 Jan – Makar Sankranti
- 26 Jan – Republic Day (National holiday)
- 30 Jan – Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day)
February
- 19 Feb – Shivaji Jayanti
- 23 Feb – Swami Dayanand Jayanti
- 26 Feb – Maha Shivratri
March
- 14 Mar – Holi
- 31 Mar – Eid-ul-Fitr
April
- 6 Apr – Ram Navami
- 10 Apr – Mahavir Jayanti
- 14 Apr – Ambedkar Jayanti
- 18 Apr – Good Friday
May
- 1 May – Maharashtra Day
- 12 May – Buddha Purnima
June
- 7 Jun – Bakrid (Eid-al-Adha)
July
- 6 Jul – Ashadi Ekadashi & Muharram
- 10 Jul – Guru Purnima
August
- 15 Aug – Independence Day
- 16 Aug – Janmashtami
- 27 Aug – Ganesh Chaturthi
September
- 5 Sep – Eid-e-Milad
- 6 Sep – Anant Chaturdashi
October
- 2 Oct – Gandhi Jayanti & Dussehra
- (Note: Some earlier lists included Oct 8 as a dry day, but this was officially removed in past notifications.)
November
- 1 Nov – Kartiki Ekadashi
- 5 Nov – Guru Nanak Jayanti
- 24 Nov – Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas
December
- 25 Dec – Christmas
Early 2026 Dry Days (January)
For January 2026, the dry days already confirmed include:
- 14 Jan – Makar Sankranti
- 26 Jan – Republic Day
- 30 Jan – Shaheed Diwas
These early dates directly affect planning for celebrations, weddings, parties, and hospitality scheduling as the new year begins.
Tips for Residents and Businesses
- Plan purchases in advance: Avoid last-minute rushes — stock up a day or two before a dry day.
- Check for updates: The Excise Department occasionally adds special dry days (e.g., during local elections or emergencies).
- Hospitality planning: Restaurants and event venues should communicate dry days to patrons well in advance.
- Legal compliance: Selling alcohol on a declared dry day can lead to fines or licensing issues for businesses.
Conclusion
Dry days are a recurring and sometimes inconvenient part of life in Maharashtra, especially for consumers and businesses in the hospitality sector. Yet, they reflect the government’s effort to balance cultural values, public order, and respect for significant occasions. By staying informed about the complete list of dry days and planning ahead, residents and visitors can navigate these no-alcohol days responsibly and smoothly.
