The Madhya Pradesh government is planning major changes to its excise policy and has taken the first step by banning liquor shops in 17 holy towns. This ban will take effect from Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Notably, the list includes Ujjain, a temple town where offering alcohol to Lord Kaal Bhairav is a long-standing tradition.
Officials have confirmed that the tradition will continue, but liquor shops near the temple will be shut as they fall within municipal limits. Outside the Lord Kaal Bhairav temple, vendors will still sell baskets with traditional offerings like coconuts, flowers, and liquor bottles, which remain an important part of the worship ritual.
Regarding the continuation of this sacred custom, a senior Excise Department official stated that the temple management committee will now oversee and ensure the availability of liquor for the deity’s worship. Additionally, liquor shops will be shut in other holy towns, including Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, Amarkantak, Salkanpur, Barman Kalan, Linga, Barman Khurd, Kundalpur, and Bandakpur.
The ban on alcohol sales aims to preserve the sanctity of these holy towns, with no new licenses issued from April 1, 2025. Under the new policy, wine outlets will not be allowed to operate in these areas. Liquor shops in new districts will be managed by district collectors. To support tribal communities, wine and heritage liquor sales will be permitted at designated shops, while heritage liquor will also be available at airport counters. Drinking on shop premises will be strictly prohibited.
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