August Dry Days Alert for Bengaluru: Sale Of Alcohol Banned on These Dates, Check Dry Day List

If you're planning a party or event this August in Bengaluru, it's time to check your calendar. The Karnataka Excise Department has announced a list of dry days in the city due to upcoming festivals and national holidays.

Dry Days in August 2025: What to Know

The first dry day falls on August 15, observed across India as Independence Day. On this day, liquor shops, pubs, bars, and restaurants serving alcohol will remain shut across Bengaluru. Alcohol sale and public consumption are strictly prohibited.

The second dry day is likely to be August 16, coinciding with Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth. While not all states enforce dry days on Janmashtami, Karnataka traditionally restricts alcohol sales on major religious festivals, making this day important to note.

Ganesh Chaturthi and More Restrictions Ahead

On August 27, Bengaluru will observe Ganesh Chaturthi, a major Hindu festival. This day will also be marked as a dry day. Given the large public gatherings and religious significance, the government usually bans alcohol sales across all outlets.

The ten-day festival concludes with Anant Chaturdashi on September 6, which may also see partial or full restrictions on liquor sales, especially around idol immersion processions.

The Excise Department may issue additional notifications closer to the date based on public safety and crowd control needs.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Issues

Dry days apply to:

Wine shops

Liquor stores

Bars and pubs

Restaurants serving alcohol

However, home consumption is not illegal unless explicitly mentioned. People hosting gatherings during festival weekends should plan in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official announcements from the Karnataka Excise Department for any last-minute additions to the dry day list.