Holi 2026: Liquor shops will remain open 24 hours in Delhi, this time there will be no ‘dry day’ on Holi.

New Delhi: This year, liquor shops will not remain closed in Delhi on Holi. Delhi government has removed Holi from the list of ‘dry days’. According to the order of the Excise Department, now the sale of liquor will continue normally on this festival of colors.

For the last many years, dry day was imposed in Delhi on Holi, due to which shops remained closed, but now there has been a change and people will be able to celebrate Holi without any restrictions.

New list released in January

Delhi government had released the list of dry days in January. Only a few selected festivals from January to the end of March have been included in this list. These include Republic Day, Mahashivratri, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti.

Holi’s name is not in this list. A senior official of the Excise Department has confirmed on Tuesday that there will be no dry day on this Holi. Therefore, about 750 liquor shops in Delhi will remain open.

Different decision from last years

In previous years, the sale of liquor was completely closed in Delhi on Holi. People used to bring liquor from outside or stock it in advance, but this time the government has removed this rule. This decision has been taken under the liquor policy in Delhi.

The official said that Holi will no longer be a dry day and shops will remain open at normal times. However, this change is applicable only to government licensed shops.

Different rules on hotels

It has been clarified in the order that this dry day rule will not apply to hotels, clubs and restaurants where liquor is served to the guests. They will be able to serve guests like before.

Additionally, license holders will not receive any compensation for this change. Even if there is any change in the list, they will not be able to make any claim.

holi celebration

Holi is a festival of colors, happiness and brotherhood. Many people are happy with liquor shops remaining open this time in Delhi, but it is important to drink responsibly. Misbehavior or accidents while drunk should be avoided.

The government has taken this decision, but it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain security and law and order. Holi is being celebrated on March 4 and it is expected that the festival will pass peacefully.