AGRA: Over 5,000 artisans in Mathura district have been working round the clock for the past two months to make countless bejewelled costumes, which cost anywhere between Rs 20,000 and Rs 3 lakh, and accessories for idols of Krishna and other deities for Janmashtami on September 7. Business owners in the region said this year, there are bulk orders for special attires from over 40 countries including the US, Australia, New Zealand, UAE and many in Europe. According to some estimates, sales on Janmashtami will exceed Rs 200 crore. Krishna costumes sales to exceed Rs 200 croreAnil Agarwal, whose family has been involved in apparel manufacturing for several decades, said, "Ahead of the festival, costumes worth crores have been delivered overseas and in states across India. Over 50 lakh devotees are expected to visit Mathura on Janmashtami which will boost sales further."He added, "This year, there is a surge in orders from Gulf countries. However, the US, UK, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Mauritius remain the main buyers."Kanha Sharma, a wholesaler, said, "Dresses are being couriered daily to dozens of foreign countries for Sri Krishna temples and individuals. To a large extent, poshaks are exported from Nathdwara in Rajasthan but Mathura-Vrindavan is the manufacturing hub."Mathura-Vrindavan has always been the centre for making dresses of Hindu deities. It picked up in the 1970s when artisans migrated to the town from Agra and other places in the state. Gradually, designs were diversified to cater to international tastes and Italian, Chinese and Victorian styles were also introduced. Besides poshaks (dresses for deity), other knick-knacks including decorative items, flutes, hindolas and jhulas (swings), singhasan (throne) and mukut (crown) are also in demand. Jawahar Agarwal, a manufacturer and exporter, said, "Over the years, we have moved away from conventional one-piece poshak of regular material to an array of colourful costumes, studded with precious stones, exquisite embroidery and glittering strips of expensive gota (embroidery using applique technique)."The industry engages hundreds of skilled workers who manufacture dresses and other decorative items at their homes or in units set up by big showrooms. While Muslim artisans specialise in embroidery, intricate needlework and zardozi, Hindus are involved in sewing and stitching of dresses, weaving attractive patterns and curls.

Stay updated with all the Agra Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.