As August 2025 unfolds, residents of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru should take note of the upcoming "dry days" when the sale of alcohol will be prohibited. These restrictions are implemented to maintain law and order during significant festivals and national holidays. Here's a breakdown of when liquor shops will be closed in these major cities:

Delhi:

Delhi will observe consecutive dry days on August 15 and 16. The first, August 15, marks Independence Day, a nationwide dry day. The second, August 16, is for Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth. All liquor vends, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels will remain closed on these days. However, hotels with specific licenses (1-15/L-15F) may be permitted to serve alcohol to guests in their rooms. These licenses are typically granted to star-classified hotels approved by the tourism department.

Mumbai:

Mumbai will also observe dry days in August. As with Delhi and Bengaluru, August 15 will be a dry day for Independence Day. Janmashtami on August 16 will also be a dry day in Mumbai. Additionally, August 27, for Ganesh Chaturthi, will be a dry day in Mumbai. Furthermore, September 6, the last day of the Ganpati festival (Anant Chaturdashi), may also have a ban on liquor sales. The state government may impose restrictions throughout the 10-day festival if necessary.

Bengaluru:

Bengaluru is also expected to have multiple dry days in August. The city will observe a liquor ban on August 15 for Independence Day and August 16 for Janmashtami. These restrictions will apply to all bars, pubs, restaurants, wine stores, and liquor shops across the city. Ganesh Chaturthi, on August 27, is also likely to be a dry day in Bengaluru. While only the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi is officially a dry day, additional restrictions may be imposed during the idol immersion processions on Anant Chaturdashi, September 6.

General Information:

Dry day restrictions typically include the closure of liquor shops, wine stores, bars, pubs, and restaurants serving liquor. These measures are taken to maintain law and order, especially during large gatherings and festive events. Authorities often issue traffic advisories to manage traffic flow and ensure smooth celebrations. Residents are advised to purchase alcohol in advance to avoid inconvenience during these closures.

Keep in mind that while Independence Day is a nationwide dry day, the observance of dry days for festivals like Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi can vary by state. It's always a good idea to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information.