A Laddu worth 27 lakhs in 2023: Balapur Laddu auction sets new record amidst Hyderabad’s grand Ganpati celebrations

Devotees are fascinated by the unique charm of the Balapur's Ganesha, particularly during the auction of the iconic Laddu, which has yet again set a new record after getting sold for an staggering amount of Rs 27 lakhs in the auction held on Thursday.

Balapur(Hyderabad): In one of the most famous auctions aimed at spiritual and community development, broke the previous year record, and the iconic laddu fetched a staggering amount of Rs 27 lakhs in the fresh auction of 2023. A local enthusiast, Dasari Dayananda Reddy won the remarkable auction.

In the last year, the annual Laddu auction of Balapur Ganesha fetched Rs 24,60,000. This unique tradition, which began modestly in 1994 with an opening bid of a mere Rs 450, has evolved into a monumental event spanning 28 years. In 2022, local enthusiast Vangeti Lakshmareddy secured the coveted Laddu for a staggering sum, marking a significant departure from its humble beginnings. Once auctioned for just a thousand rupees until 2001, this iconic sweet offering has now reached auction prices in the lakhs.

The turning point came in 2002 when Kandada Madava Reddy clinched the Laddu for Rs 1,05,000, signalling an escalating trend in this historical auction. In subsequent years, the auction price continued to rise steadily, culminating in a record-breaking 24, 60,000 in 2022– an increase of increase of more than five lakhs from 2021.

Earlier, Niranjan Reddy, President of Utsav Samiti informed, “On this morning at 5 a.m., we performed puja and took Lord Ganesha in the vehicle and started Shobhayatra with bhajans at 6.30 o'clock. Swami will be picked up in a special vehicle at 10:30 a.m. to take them to Hussainsagar. From there, the procession will proceed through Chandrayanagutta, Falaknuma, Aliabad, Laldarwaja, and Shalibanda."

Beyond its financial significance, the Balapur Laddu auction has become a symbol of spiritual reverence and a platform for community development. Funds generated through the auction have been dedicated to various village development initiatives, with over one crore rupees already invested for this noble cause.

The grand spectacle is scheduled to commence after the Balapur 'Ganesha Visarjan' procession, attracting not only locals but also visitors from neighbouring villages. As the cheers and 'Jai bolo Ganesh Maharaj ki' chants reverberate through the air, Balapur Ganesha's Sobhayatra embarks on its journey towards the Vinayaka Sagar, marking the conclusion of this spectacular celebration. The anticipation for this year's auction and the subsequent festivities has been palpable, as Balapur Ganesha continues to captivate and unite devotees in Hyderabad, blending spirituality with community development in a truly remarkable way.