Ganesh Laddu auctioned for record Rs 1.26 crore in Sun City, Rs 27 lakh in Balapur

HYDERABAD: Setting a new benchmark, the Ganesh laddu at Richmond Villas in Sun City, Bandlaguda Jagir, achieved a staggering auction price of Rs 1.26 crore on Thursday. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous year's sale, which saw the laddu auctioned for approximately Rs. 60.48 lakh.

Each year, residents of Richmond Villas organise an auction for the Ganesh laddu as part of their festive celebrations. According to the organisers, the proceeds from this auction are dedicated to charitable causes, including support for schools, healthcare initiatives, and the supply of groceries to NGOs.

"All the funds generated from the auction will be directed towards charitable endeavors," the organisers emphasized, calling on other gated communities to contribute to these philanthropic efforts.

Meanwhile, as the Ganesh Nimajjanam processions unfolded across Hyderabad, attention was riveted on the highly-anticipated 'Laddu Prasad' auction of the Balapur Ganesh. In 2021, this delectable sweet treat fetched a whopping Rs 18.90 lakh , a far cry from its modest beginning in 1994 when it was auctioned for a mere Rs 450. Winning the prized Laddu Prasad is believed to bestow good fortune upon participants.

This year, the Balapur Ganesh idol boasted a unique design, featuring a seated posture atop the five-headed Panchmukhi Nagendra, complete with animated eyes and ears. The pandal was adorned with a theme inspired by the Vijayawada Kanaka Durga temple.

Although initially limited to the 25 individuals who had successfully bid for the laddu since its inception in 1994, this year witnessed the inclusion of five new participants, including non-locals, eager to join the auction. This year, the renowned Balapur Ganesh Laddu secured a price tag of Rs 27 lakh.

The tradition of auctioning the Balapur Ganesh laddu dates back to 1994 when a local farmer named Kolan Mohan Reddy acquired it for a meager Rs 450 . After distributing the laddu prasadam among his family and fellow villagers and sprinkling it on his farm, an astonishing increase in yield ensued, solidifying the belief that the laddu carries blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity.