Delhi to observe multiple dry days from April to June for festivals

The Delhi government has released a schedule of dry days for April to June, which includes dates coinciding with the 18th Lok Sabha polls and significant festivals. The Excise Department of the Delhi Government issued an order outlining specific days when liquor shops will be closed, aligning with electoral events and religious observances.

During the Lok Sabha elections in certain districts of Uttar Pradesh connected to Delhi, liquor shops will remain closed from 6 pm on April 24 to 6 pm on April 26. This decision, made in accordance with Rule 52 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, aims to observe dry days 48 hours before the polls conclude in Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar districts.

Licensees are informed that they will not be entitled to compensation for the closure of their establishments on these dry days. They are required to prominently display the order within their licensed premises and keep their businesses closed during the specified periods.

Additionally, dry days have been scheduled to coincide with major religious festivals. These include Eid-ul-Fitr on April 11, Ram Navami on April 17, and Mahavir Jayanti on April 21. Buddha Purnima on May 23 and Bakrid or Id-ul-Zuha on June 17 have also been designated as dry days, prohibiting the sale of liquor.

The announcement aims to ensure adherence to regulations during critical electoral processes and to respect the sentiments associated with religious observances. Providing advance notice of these dry days enables businesses and citizens to make necessary arrangements in advance.

By proactively managing these periods of restriction, the Delhi government seeks to maintain orderliness and uphold the integrity of both electoral proceedings and religious celebrations. This coordinated effort fosters a sense of responsibility among stakeholders and contributes to the smooth functioning of civic life during these significant events. Earlier, the Arvind Kejriwal led-government declared six ‘dry days’, including Republic Day on January 26, for the last quarter of the current financial year.