Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra will have a dry day on February 26 on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. The liquor sale will be prohibited in all pubs, shops, and restaurants that serve alcohol. As per the government regulations, the establishments selling alcohol should remain shut for the whole day or will face penalties. Local authorities will conduct strict checks on Maha Shivratri.
In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) Undertaking has announced the implementation of additional bus services to ensure the smooth transit of devotees going to various pilgrimage sites in Mumbai during Mahashivratri, on February 26.The pilgrims travelling to important places of worship throughout the city will be served by these customised services.
The service to Kanheri Caves, a well-known location that sees a significant stream of devotees on Mahashivratri. This will benefit devotees who will travel on this route.
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Apart from Maharashtra, dry day will be observed in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. In honour of Maha Shivratri, the Delhi government has formally declared February 26 to be a dry day. On this occasion, Uttar Pradesh including Ghaziabad and Noida will observe a dry day in addition to a public holiday. On February 26, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited throughout Haryana, including Gurgaon.
On the fourteenth night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March), Maha Shivratri is observed. To get Lord Shiva's blessings, devotees commemorate the day by fasting, praying, and partaking in spiritual activities. It is a period of introspection, self-control, and communal fervour. In India, individuals abstain from drinking as a demonstration of respect for the day's spiritual significance.