Hyderabad: The famous Balapur Ganesh laddu once again lived up to its reputation on Saturday morning, setting a new record at auction. The massive 21-kg offering, nearly two feet tall with a crown-shaped top, was sold for Rs 35 lakh, surpassing last year’s Rs 30 lakh. This tradition, which began more than three decades ago, continues to be one of the city’s most anticipated festive events.The auction took place soon after the Balapur Ganesh idol began its ceremonial procession. Bidding was intense, with five contenders vying for the prized sweet. In the end, Lingala Dashrat Goud from Karmanghat walked away with the laddu after outbidding four others.Elsewhere, Hyderabad’s devotion-filled auctions also saw record figures. At Attapur, the New Stars Bhakta Samaj’s laddu at the Pochamma temple fetched Rs 12.5 lakh, about Rs 1.3 lakh higher than last year. The winning bid came from Gummadi Brothers Bhupal Reddy, after over 50 people took part in the spirited contest. The laddu had been offered prayers for ten days before the big day.At IVC Kondapur, the auction closed at Rs 12.7 lakh, while at Gajularamaram’s Chota Lal Baug Cha Raja, it went for Rs 1.5 lakh. In Nagole, the Tiranga Youth Association — which installed a 63-ft idol — saw its laddu auction open strong at over Rs 4 lakh before closing at Rs 6 lakh.The excitement around these auctions once again showed how the humble sweet has become a symbol of both devotion and festive pride across the city.
