Seems like Delhi experienced a very boozy Diwali this year! The city recorded a 13% rise in liquor sales during the festive fortnight ending Diwali. You won’t believe this, but the provisional revenue touched ₹589.17 crore as consumers bought 3.31 crore bottles. Keep reading to know how these numbers compare to last year.
Delhi Purchased 3.31 Crore Liquor Bottles During Diwali 2026
Diwali feels incomplete for some without partying, lots of food and, of course, drinks. And the sales numbers in Delhi prove just that. According to India Today, liquor sales in the national capital increased 13% year-on-year during the festive fortnight ending Diwali. The provisional revenue reached nearly ₹600 crore.
The official data says that consumers purchased 3.31 crore liquor bottles of different brands this year. Last year, this number stood at 2.96 crore bottles during the fortnight leading up to Diwali in 2025. This is why we said Delhiites definitely experienced a boozy Diwali this year!
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₹79 Crore In Liquor Sales On Diwali Eve
According to India Today, the Excise Department recorded total sales of ₹589.17 crore this year, compared to ₹518.97 crore during the same period in 2025. Moreover, the department also recorded more than ₹79 crore in liquor sales a day before Diwali, on November 7. The reason? Diwali was observed as a dry day in the national capital. All liquor stores were closed in the city, so consumers stocked up on bottles a day before their parties and celebrations.
On Diwali eve, around 40.45 lakh liquor bottles were sold, compared to 34.70 lakh bottles on Diwali eve a year ago. Interestingly, the revenue from liquor sales so far in 2026 has also seen a significant increase compared to 2025. It reached ₹792.52 crore, up from ₹634.08 crore in 2025, showing a growth of 24.9%.
The numbers also tell us that Diwali celebrations in Delhi meant more spending on drinks. The rise in sales clearly shows that alcohol was an important part of the festive celebrations this year.
What do you think of these numbers? Did you buy any alcohol this festive season, or was it a no-drinking Diwali for you?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Giselleflissak (Representative Image)
FAQs
Were liquor stores closed in Delhi on Diwali?
Yes, all liquor stores in Delhi remained closed on November 8, 2026, as Diwali was observed as a dry day.
When was Diwali in 2026?
Diwali was celebrated on November 8, 2026.
How many bottles of liquor were sold in Delhi during the Diwali fortnight in 2026?
Around 3.31 crore liquor bottles were sold in Delhi during the festive fortnight leading up to Diwali.
