From Rs 450 to Rs 27 Lakhs: The Remarkable Auction Journey of Hyderabad’s Balapur Ganesh Laddu

The Balapur Ganesh Laddu auction in Hyderabad is once again drawing attention as the 10-day Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations are set to conclude on Tuesday.

Last year, the laddu was auctioned for an impressive Rs 27 lakh and purchased by Dasari Dayanand Reddy.

A Brief History of the Balapur Ganesh Laddu Auction

The tradition of auctioning the Ganesh laddu began in 1994 when local farmer Kolan Mohan Reddy acquired it for Rs 450. Notably, the same family has been a frequent participant in the auctions, securing the laddu on several occasions. The proceeds from these auctions are utilised for various developmental projects in the surrounding villages.

According to Mohan, “My close friend Darshan Reddy and I were active members of the Balapur Ganesh Ustav Committee. Every year, we used to offer laddu to Lord Ganesha in the 11-day festival, but either on the 9th or 10th day of the festival, someone used to steal it. There was immense competition among everyone to make an opportunity to walk away with the laddu. As the laddu was stolen every year, in 1994, amidst tight security for the laddu, we decided to auction it on the final day of the festival before immersion of the idol,” says K Mohan Reddy. ''That’s how the auction for Balapur Ganesh Laddu began.''

The initial auction of the Balapur Ganesh Laddu established the practice of 'Laddu Bidding' as a significant ritual at Ganesh mandaps across the country. The auction is marked by intense competition, with many believing that securing the laddu brings health, wealth, and prosperity. Religion does not limit participation in bidding; for example, Muslims took part in auctions in 2000, 2001, and 2002, driven by their belief in the Laddu’s prosperity-bringing powers.

Traffic Advisory

In preparation for the Ganesh immersion procession, Hyderabad police have released the designated routes and a traffic advisory for the events scheduled on Tuesday, September 17. The advisory, designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow and ensure public safety and order, will be in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

The police have urged citizens and devotees to adhere to the “Route Map,” which details the main procession route, tributary processions, exit routes, and parking areas. Informative signage will be placed at key locations to assist the public.