In Hyderabad, preparations are underway for the grand ‘Nimajjanam’ procession on Saturday. A major highlight is the Balapur Ganesh laddu auction, known for setting records. This year, a 21 kg laddu, donated by devotee Uma Maheshwar, will be auctioned on September 6 during the immersion procession. The event, organized by the Balapur Ganesh Utsav Samithi, will take place at a pandal modeled after the Swarnagiri temple near Yadadri. Among the eager bidders is Dasari Dayananda Reddy, hoping for another win after last year’s success.
The auction introduces new rules: winners must pay immediately, unlike before when delayed payments were allowed. Proceeds will be used for infrastructure and welfare projects. Last year, 36 bidders participated, and this year, the competition is expected to be fierce, potentially surpassing Rs 35 lakh. So far, four individuals have registered, with more expected by Friday night, according to K Niranjan Reddy from the Samithi. Participants must deposit last year’s bidding price to join.
Over the years, the Balapur laddu has evolved from simple prasadam to a symbol of shared faith, with prices rising significantly. In 2023, it sold for Rs 27 lakh, and in 2024, BJP leader Kolan Shankar Reddy won it for Rs 30.1 lakh. However, Balapur isn’t the only attraction. In Raidurg, the laddu at My Home Bhuja fetched Rs 51.77 lakh on Thursday, more than doubling from Rs 29 lakh last year. Kondapalli Ganesh from Ellandu secured the win after a heated bidding war.
In Bandlaguda Jagir, the Richmond Villas laddu auction reached Rs 1.87 crore in 2024, up from Rs 1.26 crore the previous year and Rs 63 lakh in 2022. Over 150 residents contributed, making it a collective success. This year, excitement builds for another record-breaking auction, with funds set aside for community projects.
