This year, residents of Delhi will have the opportunity to purchase alcohol on Holi, which falls on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The local government has determined that this festival will not be designated as a dry day in their excise order issued in January 2026. Historically, Holi often came with restrictions on alcohol sales, but officials have opted for controlled availability this year instead.

Operational Status of Liquor Outlets

Both government-run and private liquor stores, totaling nearly 750 throughout the city, will be operating as usual on the holiday. Sales will adhere to the standard operating hours and regulations set forth by the authorities. On March 4, there will be no special restrictions in place for these outlets, allowing for regulated sales of alcoholic beverages.

Dry Day Notifications for January to March 2026

According to the excise department’s announcement, only five days have been designated as dry days in Delhi from January through March 2026. Holi does not appear on this list, permitting licensed establishments to sell alcohol during the celebration. This marks a shift from previous years when Holi was typically classified as a dry day.

Availability of Online Alcohol Delivery

Additionally, online alcohol delivery services remain available, with the exception of the officially recognized dry days. Hotels that hold L1515F licenses are permitted to serve alcohol to their guests even during these dry days, further supporting residents’ access to alcoholic beverages.

Implications for Holi Celebrations

Residents of Delhi planning to celebrate Holi can now enjoy the festivities with the ease of alcohol access. With no special restrictions in place for this year’s celebrations, both in-person and online sales will be operating normally, allowing people to responsibly partake in the holiday traditions without interruption.

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