By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The Uttarakhand government has declared a public holiday for women employees in the state on Thursday, October 29, on the occasion of Karwa Chauth, following directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
An official order to this effect has been issued, an official statement said.
Dhami said Karwa Chauth was an important festival associated with women’s faith, love and family bonds. He said the state government respected women’s sentiments, religious beliefs and traditions and remained sensitive to their interests.
The chief minister said the government’s efforts were aimed not only at promoting development but also at strengthening the state’s rich cultural heritage and the sentiments associated with traditional festivals.
Festivals such as Karwa Chauth, he said, strengthened love, trust and mutual commitment within