Guwahati, October 8: The Assam government declared a dry day throughout the state today, on the occasion of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankaradeva's 571st birth anniversary. The date of his birth anniversary also coincides with Vijayadashami, which culminates the end of Dussehra festivities. The district administrations have been instructed to ensure all liquor shops remain closed today and sale of alcohol is completely prohibited till Wednesday. List of Dry Day 2019 Dates in India: Check Complete Dry Days Calendar When Alcohol Will Not Be Available for Sale in Your City.

Nang Lucky Gogoi, the vice chairman of Assam State Anti Drug and Prohibition Council, issued a statement on social media confirming the closure of liquor shops across the state in view of Sri Sri Srimanta Sankaradeva's birth anniversary.

Tweet by Nang Lucky Gogoi:

"In view of observation of Janmotsava of Sri Sri Sankardeva on 8th Oct 2019, Govt of Assam declares this day as #DryDay throughout the state of Assam (sic)," she said on social media.

Sankaradeva is one of the most revered Vaishnavite saint in Assam. On his birth anniversary, the sale of alcohol has been prohibited in view of the sentiments of his followers.

The district administration has been ordered to stringently act against anyone found violating the dry day orders. Those found consuming alcohol in public, or selling liquor in shops or through any other means, would be penalised as per the provisions of the Assam Excise Act, 2000, the government's directive stated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2019 05:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).