Dry Day Alert: Are Liquor Stores Closed Today, January 30, for Mahatma Gandhi Death Anniversary?
January 30, observed as Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is being commemorated across the country with tributes and remembrance ceremonies. Alongside these observances, several states and Union Territories have imposed restrictions on the sale of alcohol, prompting many to ask whether liquor stores are shut today.
New Delhi, January 30: January 30, observed as Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is being commemorated across the country with tributes and remembrance ceremonies. Alongside these observances, several states and Union Territories have imposed restrictions on the sale of alcohol, prompting many to ask whether liquor stores are shut today.
As per official excise notifications and state dry-day calendars for 2026, January 30 has been confirmed as a dry day in Maharashtra and Delhi. In Maharashtra, the prohibition applies statewide, covering major cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. All licensed liquor shops, bars, pubs and restaurants are barred from selling or serving alcohol for the day as a mark of respect on Shaheed Diwas. Similarly, the Delhi Excise Department’s calendar lists January 30 as a no-liquor day, in line with other nationally significant observances. Dry Day List 2026: Month-Wise Dates When Alcohol Sales Are Restricted in India.
However, January 30 is not a nationwide dry day. Unlike Republic Day on January 26, which is uniformly observed as a dry day across India, the decision for Martyrs’ Day rests with individual state governments. As a result, practices vary. Some states and cities traditionally observe a dry day on this date due to its national importance, while others do not include it in their excise schedules. Holiday Calendar 2026: Month-Wise List of Public Holidays in India and Long Weekends.
Authorities have advised consumers and businesses to check local excise department notifications for clarity. While private consumption is generally not restricted, the sale of alcohol depends entirely on state-specific orders. For today, the confirmed dry-day states remain Maharashtra and Delhi, with other regions following their own local rules.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 08:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).