The famous Balapur Ganesh laddu has set a new record at this year’s auction, fetching ₹39 lakh. Sama Praneeth Reddy of Sahebnagar, Vanasthalipuram, won the auction.
Eight people took part in the bidding, with Praneeth Reddy emerging as the highest bidder. Last year, the laddu was sold for ₹35 lakh.
The 21 kg laddu has become a major part of Balapur’s Ganesh celebrations. Many devotees believe that taking the laddu home brings prosperity and good fortune.
The Balapur Ganesh celebrations have a history of 45 years. The laddu auction began in 1994, when farmer Kolanu Mohan Reddy won it for just ₹450.
The auction was initially limited to local residents for 15 years. Later, people from outside Balapur were allowed to participate. In 2009, Saritha became the first woman to win the auction, paying ₹5.10 lakh.
The auction was not held in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The laddu was instead handed over to then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
Kolanu Shankar Reddy won the laddu for ₹30.01 lakh in 2024, while Lingala Dasharath Goud paid ₹35 lakh last year.
This year’s ₹39 lakh bid has now set a new record for the famous Balapur Ganesh laddu.
