Maharashtra Dry Day Calendar: February 2026 Schedule
Residents and business owners in Maharashtra should prepare for a particularly restrictive month ahead. February 2026 features a high frequency of alcohol sale bans across the state due to a heavy mix of religious observances and democratic processes. While January ended with the Martyrs’ Day observance, the upcoming month requires even more planning.
Historically, such moves have meant a significant shift in consumer behavior, with many people stocking up 48 to 72 hours in advance. This often leads to a “sales spike” followed by a complete lull on the prohibited dates. For the hospitality sector, this cluster of dates—especially those falling on or near weekends—represents a unique operational challenge.
Complete List of Dry Days in February 2026
To help you navigate these dates, we have organized the official closures into a clear table format. Please note that while some days are statewide, others are specific to districts participating in local polls.
| Date | Day | Reason for Dry Day | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 7 | Friday | Polling Day (Elections) | 12 Specific Districts Only |
| February 9 | Monday | Election Counting Day | Election-Affected Districts |
| February 15 | Sunday | Maha Shivratri | Statewide |
| February 19 | Thursday | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | Statewide |
| February 23 | Monday | Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Statewide |
The election-related closures on February 7 and 9 will strictly affect districts including Pune, Satara, Solapur, and Latur, among others. In these areas, alcohol sales are usually halted from 48 hours prior to the end of polling. Figures may shift once official updates arrive from local district collectors regarding the exact hour the ban is lifted.
What You Need to Know: A Buyer’s Perspective
With Maha Shivratri falling on a Sunday (February 15), many who usually enjoy a weekend outing may find their plans disrupted. Unlike some religious holidays where enforcement can vary, election-related dry days are monitored by special flying squads of the Excise Department, and violations can lead to heavy fines or license cancellations.
What to do now: If you are planning a celebration or wedding in mid-February, check with your venue immediately. Most banquet halls in Maharashtra cannot serve alcohol on these dates, even if it is a private function. Previous data is not available in current reporting for any exemptions during this specific period, so it is safer to assume a total ban.
Expect an increase in patrolling near district borders during the election dates to prevent the cross-border transport of liquor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 5-star hotels exempt from dry days?
In most cases, even premium hotels must stop serving alcohol in their bars and restaurants, though they may allow consumption within a guest’s private room.
Will liquor shops open in the evening on dry days?
For religious festivals, shops usually remain closed for the full 24-hour period. For election days, they may open only after the official polling time has concluded, usually after 6:00 PM.
Disclaimer: This information is based on current state notifications. Local authorities have the right to declare additional dry days for law and order reasons. Always verify with your local vendor.
