The Delhi government has released an order on April 6, announcing five dry days for religious festivals in the National Capital Territory (NCT) from April to June 2024, according to an India Today report. Dry days entail a prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Traditionally, the Delhi government issues a roster of dry days every three months. Apart from the five dry days for festivals, the order also specifies the timing and dates for dry days from May to June 2024, coinciding with the country’s phase-wise general elections.
Here’s a breakdown of the dry day schedule:
Dry Days in April: April 2024 will witness three dry days, including Id-ul-Fitr on April 11, Ram Navami on April 17, and Mahavir Jayanti on April 21. These three occasions will observe a ban on alcohol consumption and sale.
Dry Days in May and June: In May, there will be one dry day observed on Buddh Purnima, falling on May 23. This dry day precedes the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 25, ensuring a sober environment during the voting process.
Moving into June, the only dry day will be observed on June 17, coinciding with Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid).
Dry Days During General Elections: Ahead of the conclusion of voting, dry days will be enforced 48 hours prior, starting from 6 pm on May 23 until 6 pm on May 25. Additionally, a full dry day will be implemented on June 4, 2024, the counting day of the Lok Sabha elections.
Furthermore, before the conclusion of polling, dry days will be in effect for 48 hours starting from 6 pm on April 24 until 6 pm on April 26. This measure applies to polling days within a 100-meter radius of Delhi’s borders with Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The government’s directive ensures compliance with dry day regulations during significant religious observances and electoral processes, contributing to a respectful and orderly atmosphere during these events.