Delhi Declares Dry Day on November 19th, World Cup Final Day: Insights Behind Decision

Delhi has declared a dry day on Sunday, coinciding with the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final where Rohit Sharma-led Team India aims to secure its third title against Australia. This decision, announced by Krishna Mohan Uppu, Commissioner (Excise), is in observance of Chhath Puja, a significant festival in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar where devotees worship the Sun.

The four-day Chhath festival, involving fasting and offerings to the Sun God, commenced on November 17. The excise commissioner has the authority to declare dry days for religious festivals and notable national events, with no compensation for liquor vendors on such days.

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Earlier this year, 637 liquor stores in Delhi remained closed on various occasions, including Holi, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, and Diwali. The next scheduled dry day, as per the Delhi government’s Excise department, is Christmas on December 25.

As India faces Australia in the ICC ODI World Cup final on November 19 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the match is set to begin at 2:00 PM IST. While Australia aims for a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title, India, seeking its third title after 1983 and 2011, hopes to secure an international trophy for the first time since the 2013 Champions Trophy.