Hyderabad, 26 September (H.S.): The annual auction of Ganesh festival laddus in Hyderabad has evolved from a local religious tradition into a major fundraising activity, with proceeds being used for development, welfare and charitable initiatives.

The Balapur Ganesh laddu auction, one of the city's best-known festival traditions, fetched Rs 39 lakh this year. The 21-kg laddu was won by businessman Sama Praneeth Reddy of Urban Realty Group at the auction held on Friday.

The Balapur auction began in 1994, when the laddu was sold for Rs 450. Over the years, the auction has become a prominent attraction during Hyderabad's Ganesh festivities.

The auctioned laddu is regarded as sacred prasadam by devotees. Successful bidders traditionally distribute portions among family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers, while some also take it to their homes, agricultural fields and business establishments as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

According to the organisers, the proceeds from the Balapur auction are used for development and welfare activities in the area, including works related to temples, schools and public amenities. Around Rs 1.74 crore has so far been spent on various development works from the auction proceeds, according to Niranjan Reddy.

The Balapur tradition has also encouraged Ganesh committees and residential communities across Hyderabad to conduct similar auctions and channel the proceeds towards social causes and community welfare.

At Keerthi Richmond Villas in Bandlaguda Jagir, a 5-kg Ganesh laddu fetched Rs 1.01 crore this year. The proceeds are being donated to the RV Diya Charitable Trust for social and charitable programmes.

Other community auctions also recorded substantial bids. My Home Mangala in Kondapur fetched Rs 21.11 lakh, while Raghupathi County in Pragathi Nagar recorded Rs 13.66 lakh, Lansum Etania in Rajendranagar Rs 13.56 lakh, Devisthan Homes in Kukatpally Rs 10.05 lakh and My Home Avatar Rs 8.2 lakh.

According to the Federation of Gated Communities Cyberabad, proceeds from such community auctions generally go towards charity and community welfare, with remaining funds transferred to the respective community funds.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar