Dry Day in Maharashtra: Is It a Dry Day in Mumbai on March 3 For Holi?

As Holi approaches, confusion over liquor sale rules in Maharashtra has resurfaced, with several reports and social media posts claiming that alcohol outlets in the state may be allowed to remain open during festival days this year. This has led many in Mumbai to question whether March 3, 2026, will be observed as a dry day for Holi.

Maharashtra Excise Commissioner Rajesh Deshmukh has clarified that there has been no change in the state's existing dry day policy. He dismissed viral claims suggesting that the government has scrapped mandatory liquor sale bans on festivals such as Holi, Muharram and Gandhi Jayanti, calling such reports misleading.

According to the excise department, statutory dry days notified under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act remain in force, and liquor shops, bars and licensed establishments must continue to comply with the existing regulations.

Will Mumbai Observe A Dry Day On Holi?

While Maharashtra observes eight compulsory dry days across the state each year, district collectors are empowered under Section 142 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act to impose additional dry days depending on local requirements.

This means that although Holi is not part of the state's fixed annual dry day list, authorities in Mumbai may still declare March 3 a dry day if required for law and order or public safety considerations.

What Should Residents And Vendors Know?

Liquor vendors in Mumbai have been advised to follow official notifications issued by local authorities regarding dry day declarations. Residents are also encouraged to rely on formal announcements from the excise department rather than unverified reports circulating online.

With the government reiterating that no policy changes have been made, the dry day status for Holi 2026 in Mumbai will depend on local administrative orders issued closer to the festival date.