Hyderabad’s Balapur Ganesha Laddu Auction Surpasses Records With ₹30 Lakh Bid

The Balapur Ganesha festival in Hyderabad, renowned for its vibrant celebrations and high-spirited festivities, has once again made headlines with its annual laddu auction. This year’s auction saw the Balapur Ganesha laddu fetching a record-breaking ₹30.1 lakh, a significant increase from last year’s ₹27 lakh. Local devotee and BJP leader Kolana Shankar Reddy emerged victorious in the bidding war, setting a new benchmark for the auction.

The tradition of the Balapur laddu auction began in 1994, when Kolana Mohan Reddy, a local farmer, purchased the laddu for a modest ₹450. Since then, the auction has grown in both prominence and price, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm and competitive spirit surrounding the event. The auction takes place on the final day of the Ganesh idol immersion, drawing large crowds and spirited bidders each year. This year’s record-setting bid underscores the event’s continuing appeal and the community’s dedication to the festival.

The auction’s rise in value over the years highlights its significance in the local culture. For instance, in 1995, Kolana Mohan Reddy secured the laddu for ₹4,500, while by 2006, the price had escalated to ₹3 lakh. This year’s record bid of ₹30 lakh marks a notable milestone, demonstrating the auction’s growing prestige and the deep-rooted cultural importance of the Balapur Ganesha celebrations.

In addition to the Balapur auction, the Bandlaguda Ganesh laddu auction also made headlines this year, fetching an impressive ₹1.87 crore. This figure represents a substantial increase from the previous year’s auction price of ₹1.26 crore, further highlighting the competitive nature of these festive auctions.

As Hyderabad’s Ganesh Visarjan commenced with tight security measures, including the deployment of over 25,000 police personnel, the community remains engaged and enthusiastic about the festivities. Thousands of Ganesh idols are set to be immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake and other local water bodies, concluding the ten-day festival with a grand celebration.

The Balapur laddu auction not only adds to the festive spirit but also contributes to local socio-economic projects, with funds raised being used for community development. The auction’s enduring popularity and escalating bids reflect both the event’s cultural significance and the community’s ongoing commitment to celebrating and supporting their traditions.