In a first, the Andhra Pradesh endowments department has roped in the National Institute of Fashion Technology to design the outfits for the priests in the upcoming Krishna Pushkaralu, beginning on August 12.

Reporting that NIFT has come out with four types of outfits, including a dhoti and angavastram, the Times of India quotes a professor as saying “We used fabrics from Mangalagiri and Dharmavaram as the government and organisers are very particular about giving it a traditional touch to the mega event." 

The report adds:

Bright colours like red, yellow, green and orange were used to signify the spiritual essence to the harathi ritual. Sources said the endowments officials went ahead to use NIFT's services following a suggestion from chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, who was unhappy with the attire of the priests during last year's Godavari Pushkaram harathi. 

'Krishna Pushkaralu' is a festival of River Krishna which is usually held once in 12 years. The event is observed for a period of 12 days from the time of entry of Jupiter into Virgo.

This year, the festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh and other states, will be held between August 12 to 24 in Krishna, Guntur and Kurnool districts.

The Andhra Pradesh police will also use drones to help them with surveillance.

Despite the state facing a severe cash crunch, the TDP government has already earmarked Rs 1080 crore for the festival.