Balapur Ganesh Laddu Prasadam Fetches Record Rs 39 Lakh at Auction

The annual auction of the famous Balapur Ganesh Laddu in Telangana fetched a record ₹39 lakh this year during the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations on Friday. The 21-kg sacred laddu was won by 35-year-old businessman Sam Praneeth Reddy, a resident of Vanasthalipuram associated with Arban Reality Group. Reddy emerged as the highest bidder among eight participants who took part in the much-awaited auction. After securing the laddu, he posed with the sacred prasadam as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the annual event. Reddy had recently returned to India from the United States and started his business venture under the name Arban Groups.

The winning bid was higher than last year's auction price of ₹35 lakh, when Lingala Dasharath Goud secured the Balapur Ganesh Laddu. The auction has become one of the most notable traditions associated with the Balapur Ganesh celebrations and attracts considerable attention every year. The tradition of auctioning the Balapur Ganesh Laddu dates back to 1994. In its first year, the sacred laddu was auctioned for just ₹450. Since then, the annual bidding has continued, with the price increasing significantly over the years. Devotees in the region consider the laddu highly auspicious, adding to the significance of the auction.

A portion of the money collected through the auction is reserved for organising the Ganesh Puja celebrations in the following year. The remaining funds are used by the organisers for developmental and community-related activities in the Balapur area. The grand Balapur Ganesh Shobha Yatra began amid the participation of large numbers of devotees. The procession marks the final stage of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, with devotees accompanying the idol of Lord Ganesha for immersion.

VHP National Spokesperson Ravinuthala Shashidhar earlier expressed enthusiasm over the arrangements for the procession. Speaking to ANI, he said large crowds had gathered on the streets to welcome Lord Ganesha and that the government, administration and police had made arrangements for the mass immersion event. He said devotees were participating with enthusiasm and added that, despite a delay of around an hour, the immersion was expected to be completed by about 2 pm.

Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha and is marked by the installation of idols, prayers, devotional offerings and community celebrations. The festival is especially prominent in Maharashtra and Telangana, where large public gatherings and processions are organised during the celebrations.

The immersion ceremonies are being conducted under security arrangements put in place by local authorities and police to manage crowds and ensure public safety. Organisers and community leaders have also urged devotees to cooperate with officials and follow safety instructions during the processions. As Ganesh Visarjan brings the festival to a close, devotees across different parts of the country are taking part in processions, offering prayers and bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha with hopes of welcoming the deity again next year.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.