What To Know
- In case of a genuine emergency, applicants can contact the passport office or the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance.
- If you have an urgent need for a passport, consider applying for a Tatkal passport or contacting the passport office for emergency assistance.
- The documents required for a passport application include proof of identity, proof of address, and a passport-sized photograph.
Mahashivratri, a significant Hindu festival, is observed across India with great devotion. Many government offices and businesses close on this day to allow employees to celebrate the festival. However, the functioning of passport offices on Mahashivratri can vary depending on the state or region.
Regional Variations in Passport Office Closures
States with Passport Offices Closed on Mahashivratri:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Delhi
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Jharkhand
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Uttarakhand
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
States with Passport Offices Open on Mahashivratri:
- None
Passport Office Closures in Major Cities
Cities with Passport Offices Closed on Mahashivratri:
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Patna
Cities with Passport Offices Open on Mahashivratri:
- None
Alternative Arrangements for Passport Services
While passport offices will be closed in most states on Mahashivratri, there are alternative arrangements available for urgent passport services:
- Tatkal Passport: Applicants can apply for a Tatkal passport, which is issued within 2-3 working days, at select passport offices.
- Emergency Passport: In case of a genuine emergency, applicants can contact the passport office or the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance.
Important Note
It is advisable to check with the specific passport office in your area to confirm its operating hours on Mahashivratri. This information can be obtained from the official website of the passport office or by calling the helpline number.
Other Public Holidays and Passport Office Closures
In addition to Mahashivratri, passport offices are typically closed on other public holidays as well, including:
- Republic Day
- Independence Day
- Gandhi Jayanti
- Diwali
- Christmas
Passport Office Timings on Non-Holidays
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Recommendations: Plan Ahead for Passport Services
To avoid any inconvenience, it is recommended to plan ahead and apply for your passport well in advance of Mahashivratri or any other public holiday. If you have an urgent need for a passport, consider applying for a Tatkal passport or contacting the passport office for emergency assistance.
Popular Questions
Q: Are all passport offices closed on Mahashivratri?
A: Yes, most passport offices in India are closed on Mahashivratri.
Q: Can I apply for a passport online on Mahashivratri?
A: No, online passport applications cannot be submitted on Mahashivratri as the passport office website will be closed.
Q: What are the alternative arrangements for passport services on Mahashivratri?
A: Tatkal passports and emergency passports can be obtained from select passport offices or by contacting the Ministry of External Affairs.
Q: Are passport offices open on Sundays?
A: No, passport offices are closed on Sundays.
Q: What are the passport office timings on weekdays?
A: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Q: Can I get a passport within 24 hours?
A: No, the minimum processing time for a passport is 2-3 working days for Tatkal passports.
Q: Is there a fee for applying for a passport?
A: Yes, there are fees associated with applying for a passport. The fees vary depending on the type of passport and the mode of application.
Q: Can I track the status of my passport application online?
A: Yes, you can track the status of your passport application online using the tracking number provided by the passport office.
Q: What documents are required for a passport application?
A: The documents required for a passport application include proof of identity, proof of address, and a passport-sized photograph.
Q: Can I renew my passport online?
A: Yes, you can renew your passport online if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
