Dry Day Alert: Will Liquor Shops Be Closed in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram Tomorrow?

New Delhi: Liquor shops in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram remained closed on February 26 due to Maha Shivratri, as per government regulations. The day was observed as a dry day, meaning all alcohol-selling establishments, including wine shops, bars, and liquor stores, were shut for the entire day.

Reports stated that all cities across Maharashtra also observed a dry day on the occasion. The Economic Times reported that government authorities had strictly enforced the rule, ensuring compliance across multiple locations.

Why Was February 26 a Dry Day?

Maha Shivratri, also known as the "Great Night of Shiva," is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated across India with devotion to Lord Shiva. The Maharashtra government’s official dry day calendar listed February 26, 2025, as a day when alcohol sales would be prohibited.

As per government orders, all alcohol-selling establishments remained closed throughout the day. Officials conducted checks to ensure compliance, and businesses that violated the rule faced fines and legal action.

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Were Banks Open?

Banks in several states, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, remained closed on February 26 due to Maha Shivratri, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s ( RBI ) holiday list. However, essential services such as public transport, hospitals, and emergency services continued to operate as usual.

Maha Shivratri 2025

Maha Shivratri falls on the fourteenth night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March). Devotees fasted, offered prayers, and engaged in spiritual practices to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

The festival is considered a time for self-discipline and devotion. As a mark of respect for its spiritual significance, people across India avoided consuming alcohol, and government authorities imposed dry-day regulations in many regions.