HYDERABAD: The highly anticipated "Balapur Ganesh Laddu" was auctioned for a record ₹30.01 lakh on Tuesday, setting a new benchmark in the event's 30-year history. 
The 21-kg laddu was purchased by Kolan Shanker Reddy, who paid the amount directly to the Balapur Ganesh Utsav Committee (BGUS). This year's bid exceeded the previous record of ₹27 lakh, set by Dayanand Reddy in 2023, by ₹3 lakh.
This year, only four participants registered for the auction, including several non-locals, with an advance deposit of ₹27 lakh. The reduced number of participants was due to a new rule requiring all bidders, including locals, to pay an advance deposit equal to the previous year's auction amount. Previously, locals had up to a year to pay, while only non-locals needed to make an advance deposit.
Despite bidders expressing a willingness to raise the bid to ₹35-40 lakh, the BGUS committee swiftly announced the winner without extending the auction, limiting further bidding.
The auction, which is a key event marking the beginning of the Ganesh immersion procession, was held at the Balapur temple at 10:35 am and concluded in under 10 minutes. The event drew large crowds, with many watching from rooftops of nearby buildings.
The laddu, packed in a 2-kg pure silver bowl covered with golden foil, has become a symbol of good luck and prosperity, attracting significant interest each year. The auction's proceeds will support temple and village development projects, primarily in the education sector. Over ₹155 crore has been invested in village development over the years.
Following the auction, the Balapur Ganesh idol procession began, with drumbeats and crowds lining the streets to witness the 18 km journey to Hussainsagar for immersion.