Gandhi Jayanti: Why Are Liquor Shops Closed On Gandhi Jayanti, Who Sets These Rules?

Gandhi Jayanti 2026: Every year on October 2nd, liquor shops, bars, and restaurants across most parts of the country are closed for alcohol sales. But the question remains: why is Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary observed as a dry day? Who created this rule? The answer lies in both Gandhi's thoughts and the Constitution's vision.

A dry day is a day when the sale and service of alcohol is prohibited in an area. This ban is usually for 24 hours. During this period, liquor shops, bars, pubs, and restaurants cannot sell alcohol. Violations can result in license cancellation, fines, or even legal action. In addition to Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26) are also dry days in most states. Such restrictions also apply during election days, vote counting, and some major festivals.

Dry Day's connection with Bapu

Mahatma Gandhi considered alcohol one of the greatest evils in society. He believed that alcohol robs a person of their ability to think and reason, destroys families, and makes the poor even poorer. He made prohibition a key part of the freedom movement.

During the Non-Cooperation Movement, protests were held in front of liquor shops. Prohibition was also included in their program. It is often said in Mahatma Gandhi's name that if he were to hold power for a short time, he would first close liquor shops. But the general sentiment remains that he was strongly against alcohol. This is why the tradition of prohibiting liquor sales on his birth anniversary became established in honor of his views.

What does the Constitution say?

Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy, mandates that the state shall work towards the prohibition of intoxicating liquors and the consumption of drugs which are injurious to health. This is not a binding law, but rather a direction for governments. The influence of Mahatma Gandhi's thinking is clearly visible in this.

Who sets these rules?

This is an interesting point. Alcohol is a State subject in the Constitution, meaning each state government has the authority to sell, license, and designate dry days. Therefore, there are no uniform rules across the country. Most states observe a dry day on Gandhi Jayanti. Some states or cities may have specific exemptions or different rules. Each state's excise policy lists dry days at the beginning of the year.

Therefore, the most reliable way to know what the rules are in your city on October 2 is to check the list of the state excise department.

There is already complete prohibition of alcohol here

Some states have a year-round prohibition. Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi's home state, is the oldest example, with a long-standing prohibition. Bihar has had a prohibition law in effect since April 2016. Nagaland also has a prohibition law. Lakshadweep also has strict restrictions on the sale of alcohol. In these places, there is no need to declare a separate dry day on October 2nd.

Dry Day and Government Earnings

Excise revenue from alcohol constitutes a significant portion of state revenues. For this reason, complete prohibition has always been a subject of debate. Some consider it a social reform measure, while others fear the risk of revenue loss and the potential for the illicit liquor trade to flourish.

October 2nd is not just Gandhi Jayanti. The United Nations declared this day as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007. In India, it is also the birthday of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The idea of ​​celebrating this day as a national holiday with respect and simplicity is also linked to the dry day.