Dry Day in Maharashtra: Is It a Dry Day in Mumbai, Other Districts on April 14? Complete Alcohol Ban Calendar

India will observe a nationwide dry day on April 14, 2026, on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The public holiday will bring a complete halt to alcohol sales across most cities, including Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.

Liquor shops, bars, restaurants and clubs will not be allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages during the day, even if they remain open for food and other services.

Is April 14 A Dry Day Across India

Yes, April 14 is a dry day across India. The restriction applies to both standalone liquor outlets and large hospitality chains. Alcohol service will remain suspended throughout the day, with sales typically resuming after midnight on April 15.

Those planning private consumption are advised to purchase alcohol in advance, as no sales will be permitted on the day.

Multiple Dry Days In April 2026

April has seen several dry days within a short span. Good Friday on April 3 and Mahavir Jayanti on April 10 already observed similar restrictions, making Ambedkar Jayanti the third dry day this month.

April 3, 2026 - Good Friday - Dry day across most states
April 10, 2026 - Mahavir Jayanti - Dry day across most states
April 14, 2026 - Ambedkar Jayanti - Nationwide dry day

What Rules Apply On Ambedkar Jayanti Dry Day

On April 14, most states enforce a full-day ban on alcohol sales. Licensed liquor shops, wine stores, bars, clubs and restaurants must stop alcohol service completely, regardless of other operations.

Authorities treat dry days as temporary restrictions linked to national or religious occasions. This is different from states like Bihar and Mizoram, where alcohol prohibition is permanent.

Enforcement is expected to be strict in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. Premium hotels and high-end bars typically comply fully, as inspections by local authorities tend to increase on such occasions.

The rules apply across both retail counters and service venues. Even in-house guests at hotels will not be served alcohol, as licences are suspended for the entire premises during the dry day.

Can You Drink At Home On April 14

Private consumption at home is generally allowed if alcohol has been purchased before April 14. However, rules may vary slightly by state, so residents are advised to check local notifications.

Those planning gatherings or private events should complete their purchases by April 13. With the dry day ending at midnight, liquor shops and bars are expected to resume normal operations from April 15.