Dry Days in August 2025: Key Dates and What You Should Know

Whether you're a resident or a traveler exploring India, knowing the dry days in advance can save you from surprises—especially if you’re planning a celebration or a night out. In India, dry days are those specific dates when alcohol sales are prohibited, including at liquor shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs. These bans are usually enforced during national holidays, religious festivals, and local observances.

In August 2025, there are three such days when buying or serving alcohol will not be allowed in many parts of the country. Here's a quick breakdown of these dates and their significance.

List of Dry Days in August 2025

🔹 1. August 15, 2025 (Friday) – Independence Day

As a national holiday, Independence Day is uniformly observed across all Indian states. On this day, alcohol sales are banned countrywide out of respect for the occasion. Liquor shops, bars, and most restaurants will remain dry.

🔹 2. August 16, 2025 (Saturday) – Janmashtami

Observed in many parts of India, Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna. While not a pan-India dry day, states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra often enforce alcohol restrictions due to its religious importance.

🔹 3. August 27, 2025 (Wednesday) – Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, a major Hindu festival, is widely celebrated in Maharashtra and Karnataka, where it is commonly declared a dry day. Alcohol sales are typically prohibited out of reverence for the festival's spiritual significance.

Why Are There Dry Days in India?

Dry days are observed to show respect during:

• National events like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.

• Religious festivals are celebrated with spiritual devotion and family gatherings.

• Election days, when alcohol bans are enforced to maintain law and order.

The Excise Departments of each state regulate these bans, which may vary across cities and districts. Some states might observe additional dry days not listed here, depending on local calendars.

What to Keep in Mind

• The sale of alcohol is typically banned at liquor shops, bars, pubs, restaurants, and hotels.

• Serving alcohol at private events may also be restricted, depending on local regulations.

• Dry day rules may not apply uniformly across all states or Union Territories.

• Always check with your local excise department or liquor vendor for confirmation.

If you're planning a party, night out, or simply restocking your bar cabinet in August 2025, make sure you account for these three dry days—August 15, 16, and 27. Observing these restrictions not only keeps you compliant with the law but also shows respect for the cultural and religious sentiments of the region. For the most accurate information, it's always wise to double-check with local authorities or liquor outlets, especially if you’re traveling interstate.

FAQs

Q1. What are dry days in India?
Dry days are specific dates when the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited by law in India. These usually coincide with national holidays, religious festivals, or election days.

Q2. How many dry days are there in August 2025?
There are three dry days in August 2025:

• August 15 (Friday): Independence Day (nationwide)

• August 16 (Saturday): Janmashtami (in many states)

• August 27 (Wednesday): Ganesh Chaturthi (in Maharashtra and Karnataka)

Q3. Is alcohol completely banned on dry days?
Yes, the sale of alcohol is prohibited at liquor stores, bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs. In many cases, online alcohol delivery is also suspended.

Q4. Do dry day rules apply everywhere in India?
Not always. While national dry days apply across India, regional dry days—such as for Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi—may vary by state.

Q5. Can alcohol be consumed privately on dry days?
Consumption of alcohol at home is not usually prohibited, but public celebrations or large gatherings with alcohol may require permits or could face restrictions in some states.

Q6. Where can I confirm if a dry day applies to my city or state?
You can confirm dry days by checking with your local excise department or by inquiring at your nearest licensed liquor vendor for region-specific updates.

Also Read:

Full List of Dry Days in July 2025 Across India: Key Dates and Significance