Knowing whether TASMAC outlets are open is essential for residents and visitors in Tamil Nadu. TASMAC, or the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, is the sole authority for alcohol retail in the state. Understanding their operating schedule, especially holidays, can save you a trip and ensure you are informed about dry days. This article provides a comprehensive guide to TASMAC holidays in 2024 and how to check if TASMAC is closed today.
To answer the immediate question, “Is Tasmac Closed Today?”, it’s crucial to consult the official holiday list and be aware of any unscheduled closures. TASMAC typically closes on major national holidays and religious occasions.
The Tamil Nadu government releases an official TASMAC holiday list at the beginning of each year. This list includes predetermined dry days when all TASMAC shops, bars, and clubs will remain closed. These holidays generally include:
- National Holidays: Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2).
- Major Festivals: Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day, Tamil New Year, Deepavali, Christmas.
- Religious Observances: Good Friday, Ramadan, Bakrid, Muharram, Ganesh Chaturthi, and more.
- Election Days: On polling days and vote counting days, TASMAC outlets are mandated to close.
Here is a detailed list of TASMAC holidays in 2024 as per the official schedule:
| TASMAC Holidays 2024 | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2024 | Monday |
| Pongal | January 15, 2024 | Monday |
| Thiruvalluvar Day | January 16, 2024 | Tuesday |
| Uzhavar Thirunal | January 17, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Thai Poosam | January 25, 2024 | Thursday |
| Republic Day | January 26, 2024 | Friday |
| Good Friday | March 29, 2024 | Friday |
| Bank Annual Account Closing | April 1, 2024 | Monday |
| Telugu New Year | April 9, 2024 | Tuesday |
| Ramadan (Eid’l Fitr) | April 11, 2024 | Thursday |
| Tamil New Year / Dr.B.R.Ambedkar’s Birthday | April 14, 2024 | Sunday |
| Mahaveer Jayanti | April 21, 2024 | Sunday |
| May Day | May 1, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Bakrid (Idul Azha) | June 17, 2024 | Monday |
| Muharram | July 17, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Independence Day | August 15, 2024 | Thursday |
| Krishna Jayanti | August 26, 2024 | Monday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | September 7, 2024 | Saturday |
| Eid e Milad | September 16, 2024 | Monday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | October 2, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Ayutha Pooja | October 11, 2024 | Friday |
| Vijaya Dashami | October 12, 2024 | Saturday |
| Deepavali | October 31, 2024 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2024 | Wednesday |
It’s important to note that Bank Annual Account Closing on April 1st is also observed as a dry day.
Beyond the scheduled holidays, TASMAC closures can also occur due to elections. During election periods, specifically around polling dates and vote counting days, all TASMAC outlets in the concerned districts are mandated to remain closed. For instance, during the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, there were specific closure days enforced in Chennai and border regions.
For the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TASMAC shops were closed in Chennai district from the evening before polling day until June 4th, the vote counting day. Additionally, shops near the Kerala border were also closed for a period surrounding the Kerala elections in April 2024.
While the official holiday list and election-related closures are usually announced in advance, there might be occasional unscheduled closures due to unforeseen circumstances or local regulations. Therefore, for the most up-to-date information on whether TASMAC is closed today, it is advisable to:
- Check Local News: Local news channels and online news portals often provide immediate updates on any unexpected TASMAC closures in specific areas.
- Enquire Locally: If you are planning to visit a TASMAC outlet, consider calling ahead or asking local residents for information, especially if it is a holiday or a day with potential for closure.
- Refer to Official Notices: Keep an eye out for any official notices or announcements from TASMAC or district authorities, though these might not always be readily available online for daily checks.
Understanding the TASMAC holiday schedule and being proactive in checking for closures will help you plan accordingly and avoid inconvenience. Always remember to consume alcohol responsibly and respect dry day regulations.
