Jayapur (Koraput): The District Excise Office, Koraput has ordered the closure of all liquor shops in the district during the upcoming Rath Yatra for the year 2026. The order has been issued to maintain public peace and law and order during the festivals.
As per the directive, all OS shops including main outlets and branch shops, along with all IMFL ‘OFF’ and ‘ON’ hotels and ‘ON’ restaurants in the district will remain shut on the days of the actual observance of the festivals in their respective localities.
The closure has been enforced under Section 26 of the Odisha Excise Act, 2008. For Jayapur town, liquor shops will remain closed on 17th July 2026 for the Car Festival and on 24th July 2026 for the Bahuda Yatra.
For all other areas in Koraput district excluding Jayapur town, the shops will remain closed on 16th July 2026 for the Car Festival and on 24th July 2026 for the Return Car Festival. Excise officials said strict action will be taken against violators of the order.
