Bummer, No Liquor At Stores Today: List Of States Declared 'Dry Day' On January 26!

On the occasion of national holidays, the majority of states in India declare 'Dry Day'. One such day is Republic Day which will be celebrated nationally across states and union territories. A dry day means that the purchase and consumption of alcohol are completely restricted at stores, restaurants and other places.

President Smt Droupadi Murmu will lead the Nation in celebrating the 75th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at the parade, which is set to showcase India's rich cultural diversity, unity & progress; its military prowess on the back of increasing indigenous capabilities, and the growing Nari Shakti.

States that have declared dry day on January 26 are Andaman & Nicobar Island, Delhi, Jammu, Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and others. It also needs to be noted that most of the states follow dry days on national holidays, however, the restrictions on liquors may vary depending upon traditions and cultures region-wise.

Meanwhile, alcohol is officially and completely banned in states like Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Lakshadweep. In Manipur, there are partial bans in a few districts also.

As per Statista report, alcohol consumption in India amounted to about five billion liters in 2020 and was estimated to reach about 6.21 billion liters by 2024. The increase in consuming these beverages can be attributed to multiple factors including the rising levels of disposable income and a growing urban population among others

On January 26, patriotism across India will be high. Based on the twin themes of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka', this year's parade will witness the participation of around 13,000 Special Guests - an initiative which will provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to take part in the celebrations and encourage Jan Bhagidari in this national festival.

For the first time, the parade will be heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade would commence with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. to be played by these women artists. It will also witness the maiden participation of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots will also enthral the audience during the Fly-past, representing Nari Shakti. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel.

The Republic Day parade will commence at 1030 hrs and run for a duration of approx. 90 minutes. The ceremony will start with the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute given with indigenous gun system 105-mm Indian Field Guns. Four Mi-17 IV helicopters of the 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path. This will be followed by 'Aavaahan', a band performance by over 100 women artists playing various types of percussion instruments, symbolising Nari Shakti.

The parade will then commence with the President taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation Army officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

Notably, Kartavya Path will be witness to a march past by a combined Band and Marching contingent of the French Armed Forces. A 30-member band contingent will be headed by Captain Khourda, which will be followed by a 90-member marching contingent, led by Captain Noel. One Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets of the French Air & Space Force will fly above the contingents while they march past the saluting dais.