New Delhi: This year in Delhi, liquor shops will remain closed on six dates until March 29. The Delhi government has declared six ‘dry’ days, including Republic Day on January 26, as part of the last quarter of the current fiscal year. According to an order from the Excise Department, the dry days will be observed on Republic Day (January 26), Guru Ravidas Jayanti (February 24), Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti (March 6), Maha Shivaratri (March 8), Holi (March 25), and Good Friday (March 29). During these days, the sale of alcohol will be prohibited.
Meanwhile, in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, opposition leaders, including Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and several BJP leaders, have demanded that January 22 (when the Pran Pratishtha Samaroh for the Ram Mandir is scheduled in Ayodhya) be declared a dry day as well. Officials, when questioned about this demand, stated that the Delhi government had taken no decision regarding this matter.
The decision to observe dry days is in line with previous practices where the sale of alcohol is restricted on specific occasions and festivals deemed culturally or religiously significant. This measure is often implemented to respect and uphold the sanctity of these events. The Excise Department’s announcement highlights the importance of these upcoming dates and aims to regulate the sale of alcohol during specific periods.
As the government enforces these dry days, it is expected to receive mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting the move for cultural and religious reasons. In contrast, others may express concerns about potential disruptions to regular business operations.
Notably, the demand for an additional dry day on January 22 aligns with significant events in Ayodhya, emphasizing the diverse cultural and religious considerations that policymakers must navigate while making decisions related to alcohol regulations. Currently, the Delhi government has not provided clarity on whether it will accede to this specific demand, leaving room for further developments and discussions in the coming days.
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!