Famed Balapur Ganesh Laddu Sold for Record Rs 35 Lakh in Hyderabad

At an open auction on Saturday, the renowned Balapur Ganesh Laddu brought in a record-breaking Rs 35 lakh, the highest amount paid in the previous 31 years. The victor, Lingala Dasrath Goud of Karmanghat, carried the holy laddu on his head while "Ganpati Bappa Moriya" was chanted. Large crowds attended the event, with some even congregating on rooftops to watch the bidding, and the auction amount was paid in full.

Over the past thirty years, the 21-kilogram Balapur Ganesh Laddu, which is served in a 2 kg bowl of pure silver and covered in golden foil, has evolved from a straightforward prasadam to a religious icon. The laddu sold for Rs 30.01 lakh in 2024. Seven people signed up for the auction this year, and as a requirement, they each deposited the winning bid from the previous year.

In order to prevent an uncontrollable surge that might impact subsequent auctions, the Balapur Ganesh Utsav Committee set a cap on bidding. The centralised Ganesh immersion procession, which this year travelled 18 km from Balapur to Hussainsagar, traditionally begins with the laddu auction.

The auction's proceeds will be used to support village and temple development projects, with an emphasis on educational programs. The Balapur laddu, which draws devotees from all over the region, is still a major highlight of Ganesh celebrations and is thought to bring luck and prosperity.