Media Release

Mumbai, Feb 24: The Government of Maharashtra has clarified that Holi, Muharram and Gandhi Jayanti will continue to be observed as dry days across the state, dismissing reports that liquor shops would be allowed to remain open on these occasions.

The clarification was issued by the state excise department after media reports suggested that licensed retail liquor outlets had been permitted to sell alcohol on these days to curb the rise of unauthorised and counterfeit liquor sales.

Officials, however, stated that there is no change in the existing restrictions and liquor sale will remain prohibited on notified dry days, including Holi, Muharram and Gandhi Jayanti.

Dry days in March

In March, apart from Holi (March 4), the state will observe dry days on:

• March 21 – Eid ul-Fitr
• March 23 – Shaheed Diwas
• March 26 – Ram Navami
• March 31 – Mahavir Jayanti

Other dry days in 2026

The excise department also listed other notified dry days for 2026:

• April 3 – Good Friday
• April 14 – Ambedkar Jayanti
• May 1 – Maharashtra Day
• May 27 – Bakrid
• August 15 – Independence Day
• September 14 – Ganesh Chaturthi
• October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti
• November 8 – Diwali
• November 24 – Guru Nanak Jayanti
• December 25 – Christmas

The state government reiterated that strict enforcement will continue to prevent illegal sale and distribution of liquor on these days.