Are liquor shops open on Holi in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru? Check city-wise list of cities where shops will remain closed

Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, with gatherings, music and traditional festivities taking place across India. While the festival is widely associated with celebrations at homes, clubs, hotels and banquet halls, the question of whether it is observed as a dry day varies by state and local excise regulations.

The status of liquor sales during Holi differs across regions, with some states imposing restrictions and others allowing regulated sales through licensed outlets. Last year, multiple states enforced partial or full-day closures of liquor shops during Holi. Similar measures are expected to continue this year in line with previous practices, though no official notices have been issued so far in some regions.

Delhi-NCR

In Delhi and the National Capital Region, including Noida and Gurugram, liquor outlets were shut for the day during Holi last year following government orders. District Magistrates in Ghaziabad and Noida had issued directives enforcing the dry day, citing public safety concerns and the need to prevent alcohol-related disturbances during the festival.


In keeping with previous years, the administration is expected to announce a temporary closure of liquor shops across Delhi-NCR for Holi 2026. However, no official notification has been released so far in this regard.

Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, prohibitory orders will be in effect from 6 p.m. on March 2 until 6 a.m. on March 4, according to official sources. Authorities have stated that any violations during this period will invite action under the Hyderabad City Police Act.

The restrictions are aimed at maintaining public order during the Holi festivities. Residents have been advised to adhere to the notified guidelines and comply with the directives issued by the city police.

Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, no official notification has been issued by authorities regarding a dry day for Holi. However, reports indicate that the city is likely to observe a dry day in view of the national holiday. An official confirmation from the administration is awaited.

Maharashtra removes Holi from dry day list

Maharashtra has revised its excise policy and removed Holi, along with Muharram and Gandhi Jayanti, from its dry day calendar. As a result, authorised liquor shops in the state will be permitted to remain open and sell alcohol on these occasions.

Officials have stated that the decision is aimed at curbing illegal and black-market sales that tend to increase when licensed shops are closed. By allowing regulated outlets to operate, the government seeks to maintain sales within the legal framework and strengthen oversight. However, other nationally significant or law-and-order sensitive days may continue to be designated as dry days under existing rules.

Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, authorities have adopted a strict approach ahead of Holi. In Noida, the excise department has made it mandatory for hotels, banquet halls and clubs to obtain an Occasional Bar Licence (FL-11) if they intend to serve or allow the consumption of alcohol during events.

District Excise Officer Subodh Kumar stated that there will be no leniency for violations. He told TOI that many people assume small gatherings do not require permission, but the licence is compulsory wherever liquor is served on such premises. He added that strict legal action will be taken against establishments found serving or permitting alcohol consumption without a valid occasional bar licence.

Authorities have also reiterated that the sale of open liquor or alcohol in pouches remains prohibited in Uttar Pradesh. Residents have been advised to purchase sealed bottles only from authorised outlets and to report illegal sales. A control room has been set up, and complaints can be lodged through the helpline number 14405. Special enforcement drives are expected in Noida and Greater Noida during the festive period to ensure compliance.

Madhya Pradesh considers closure on March 4

In Madhya Pradesh, officials have indicated that Holi may be celebrated in some places on March 3, but the main celebrations in certain cities are expected on March 4. Liquor shops are being considered for closure on March 4, though there is also a possibility that outlets may reopen after 6 p.m., depending on final decisions.

Residents in these regions are advised to monitor official announcements and plan their celebrations accordingly.