KANPUR, Oct. 29 -- Around 100 married women police personnel in Fatehpur will be able to observe Karwa Chauth on Thursday without worrying about their duty rosters, with superintendent of police Abhimanyu Manglik granting them a day's special leave for the festival.

The order allows the women to observe the day-long fast, perform the evening puja and wait for moonrise to break the fast. They will not need to submit separate applications for leave.

For women in the police force, where duty commitments can often mean missing family occasions, the decision offers a rare opportunity to celebrate the festival at home.

Sub-inspector Preeti Singh said the decision would bring considerable relief to women personnel. "This initiative has given ...