Balapur Ganesh Laddu: Turkayamjal man successfully bids for Prasadam; pays Rs 27L amid cheers

Hyderabad: Dasari Dayananda Reddy's happiness knew no bounds when he bought 21 kg Balapur Ganesh Laddu for Rs 27 lakh.

This was his second time for Reddy from Turkayamjal to bid for Laddu Prasadam. Amid loud cheers by hundreds of devotees, the participants in the open auction bid for the laddu, which they believe brings good luck to them.

Last year, the Laddu was purchased by local farmer Vangeti Lakshma Reddy for Rs 24.60 lakh, which was Rs 5.70 lakh more than the preceding year.

"I am very happy and blessed to get the Laddu Prasadam this year. In 2022, I lost the bid by a whisker. I gift this laddu to my parents,” said Dayananda Reddy. He handed over the money to the organizers amidst the crowd.

The winners not only distribute pieces of laddu among their family and friends but also sprinkle the remnants in their agriculture fields, business houses and at home.

Around 25 persons have been bidding for the Laddu since 1994. This year new entrants including non-locals have enrolled for auction. A total of 36 members participated in the auction.

The auction of Balapur Ganesh Laddu dates back to 1994 when it was bought by a local farmer, Kolan Mohan Reddy for Rs 450. Mohan Reddy after distributing Laddu Prasadam to his family and locals, sprinkled it on his farm for yield. The Laddu Prasadam is believed to usher in good health, wealth, and prosperity.

This year, Balapur Ganesh's idol was designed as Panchmukhi Nagendra with flapping ears and moving eyes.