Holi 2026: Liquor shops in Delhi to remain open on March 4

Liquor shops across the capital will remain open this Holi after the government removed the festival from its list of ‘dry days’, a senior excise department official said on Tuesday.

According to an order issued in January this year, only Republic Day, Maha Shivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti will be observed as ‘dry days’ till the end of March.

"This Holi, there will be no dry day, and liquor shops will remain open. The closure of shops will be observed as per the order issued in January," the official said.


Over the past few years, Holi has been among the 'dry days' in Delhi.

There are around 750 liquor shops across the capital.

As per the order, license holders "shall not be entitled to any compensation on account of any changes effected in the above list", and the restriction on liquor sale on dry days above shall not apply to hotels serving liquor to guests.

Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, prohibitory orders will remain in force from 6 p.m. on March 2 until 6 a.m. on March 4, according to official sources. Authorities said any violations during this period will invite action under the Hyderabad City Police Act. The restrictions are intended to maintain public order during Holi celebrations. Residents have been urged to follow the notified guidelines and comply with directions issued by the city police.

Bengaluru
In Bengaluru, no official notification has been issued regarding a dry day for Holi. However, reports suggest 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. Authorised liquor shops in the state will now be allowed to remain open and sell alcohol on these occasions. Officials said the move aims to curb illegal and black-market sales that often rise when licensed outlets are shut. By permitting regulated shops to operate, the government seeks to keep sales within the legal framework and strengthen oversight. However, other nationally significant or law-and-order sensitive days may continue to be observed as dry days under existing rules.

Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, authorities have taken 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 plan to serve or allow alcohol consumption during events. District Excise Officer Subodh Kumar said there will be no leniency for violations, noting that many assume small gatherings do not require permission, but a 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 without a valid occasional bar licence.

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

Madhya Pradesh
In Madhya Pradesh, officials indicated that while Holi may be celebrated in some places on March 3, 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 the final decision. Residents have been advised to monitor official announcements and plan accordingly.