Bengaluru will have two consecutive dry days next week, 15th and 16th August. 15th is Independence Day and 16th is Janmashtami. The ban will be in force for 24 hours on both days and will apply to all bars, pubs, restaurants, wine stores and liquor shops in the city.
Reason for Liquor Ban
The decision is to maintain law and order during public gatherings and festivals. Residents are advised to plan ahead as no exemptions will be given.
Nationwide and Local Observances
Reportedly Independence Day on 15th August is a dry day all over the country. In Karnataka Janmashtami on 16th August is a dry day, though not a national rule. Official confirmation for Janmashtami is expected soon but as per past practice restrictions will be in place.
Later in the month Ganesh Chaturthi on 27th August is also likely to be a dry day in Bengaluru. The festival will go on for 10 days with cultural programs, processions and community gatherings in many neighborhoods. It will conclude on 6th September with Anant Chaturdashi, a day of grand idol immersion in designated water bodies. This day attracts huge crowds as devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with music, dance and colorful processions.
Possible Extra Restrictions During Visarjan
Though only the first day of the festival is a dry day, Excise Department may impose extra restrictions during the immersion period. A temporary ban around visarjan may be imposed to maintain law and order, manage traffic and ensure safety during the heavy footfall at immersion points.
Delhi to Observe Back-to-Back Dry Days
Delhi will have back to back dry days this week with all liquor shops closed on Independence Day and Janmashtami.
As per Rule 52 of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, all liquor vends in different licence categories will be closed on 15 August for Independence Day and on 16 August for Janmashtami, an order issued by Delhi government’s excise department said.
All retail liquor stores, bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs will be closed on Independence Day as well as on 2 October, birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the order added. The restrictions on sale of liquor on dry days will not apply to room service of alcohol to patrons of hotels having 1-15/L-15F licence. Excise department gives these licences to hotels which have star classification and are approved by tourism department of government of India.
Mumbai Dry Days and Festival Impact
Mumbaikars can expect changes in their weekend and festival plans as dry days are enforced across the city. With Independence Day, Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi all falling this month, Excise Department has marked multiple days when sale of alcohol will be prohibited.
First dry day in August will be on 15 August (Friday) as the country celebrates Independence Day. This is a mandatory dry day across India and all liquor shops, bars, pubs and wine shops will be closed. Second dry day will be on 16 August (Saturday) for Janmashtami, birth of Lord Krishna. While not a national dry day, Maharashtra observes restrictions on this occasion due to its religious significance. Third dry day will be on 27 August (Wednesday) for Ganesh Chaturthi, which is more region specific. Mumbai sees massive gatherings at pandals and homes as devotees welcome Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Chaturthi this year starts on 27 August and the 10 day festival will culminate on 6 September. While dry day is officially observed on the first day of the festival, authorities may impose additional restrictions on visarjan days, especially 5 and 6 September due to public processions and large scale gatherings.Please plan accordingly as dry days means no sale of alcohol through licensed vendors, restaurants or bars. Private consumption is not illegal but you cannot buy alcohol on these days. As always Excise Department can add or extend dry days as per local law and order requirement especially during festivals.