Dry Day in Delhi On March 4: Is It a Dry Day in Capital For Holi 2026? Here’s What the Notification Says

As Holi approaches, one of the most searched questions among residents of Delhi is: Will liquor shops remain closed on Holi this year?

According to the latest January excise notification for the first quarter (January-March 2024), Holi is not a dry day in Delhi. This means liquor stores across the national capital will remain open during the Festival of Colours.

The change marks a significant departure from past practice, as Holi has traditionally been observed as a no-sale day for alcohol in the city.

What the January Dry Day List Includes

The official notification lists five occasions as dry days between January and March 2024:

Republic Day

Maha Shivratri

Id-ul-Fitr

Ram Navami

Mahavir Jayanti

On these days, liquor shops must remain closed. However, Holi is absent from the schedule, effectively allowing regular retail alcohol sales during the festival.

The directive also clarifies that liquor license holders cannot claim financial compensation for business losses on notified dry days.

What Happens on Dry Days?

Under Delhi's excise rules:

Retail liquor vends must shut operations on officially declared dry days.

Bars, restaurants, and hotels follow specific licensing conditions.

Hotels and guesthouses with valid licences may continue serving alcohol to in-house guests even on dry days.

Since Holi is not included in the 2024 Q1 dry day calendar, these restrictions will not apply to the festival this year.

Why Was Holi Traditionally a Dry Day?

Holi has typically been marked as a dry day in Delhi to help authorities maintain law and order during high-energy street celebrations. The festival often sees large gatherings, and limiting alcohol sales was viewed as a preventive measure.

However, the approach to dry days has shifted over time.

In 2022, the excise policy introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party reduced the total number of dry days significantly, briefly allowing alcohol sales on more festive occasions, including Holi. That policy was later rolled back, and the longer dry day list was restored.

Now, under the current administration led by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi, Holi has once again been removed from the restricted list - a notable shift given earlier political criticism of reduced dry days.

What This Means for Holi Celebrations

For residents planning Holi gatherings:

Liquor shops will operate as usual.

Alcohol purchases can be made during regular business hours.

Only the five officially listed religious occasions will observe closures.

The decision signals a more flexible stance on festival-linked alcohol restrictions in the capital, though authorities continue to monitor public order during major celebrations.

Final Answer: Is Holi a Dry Day in Delhi 2026?

No. Holi is not a dry day in Delhi this year. Liquor shops will remain open as per the latest January excise notification.