Full Breakdown
Record-Breaking INR39 Lakh Bid for Balapur Ganesh Laddu Marks Highest Auction in 32-Year History
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Record-Setting Auction
On Friday, September 25 2026, the 21-kg Balapur Ganesh laddu was sold for a record INR39 lakh at the annual open auction conducted by the Balapur Ganesh Utsav Samithi. The winning bidder was Sama Praneeth Reddy, founder of Urban Group Private Limited and a resident of Saheb Nagar, Vanasthalipuram. The bid exceeded the previous year’s INR35 lakh by INR4 lakh, establishing a new high in the tradition that began in 1994. Nine participants, including representatives from five companies and a bidder from London, registered for the auction, which began at INR1,116 and concluded in under 15 minutes.
Historical Background
The laddu auction originated in 1994 when farmer Kolan Mohan Reddy purchased the offering for INR450. Over the decades the amount has risen steadily: crossing the INR1 lakh mark in 2002, INR10 lakh in 2015, and reaching INR30.01 lakh in 2024. The practice was paused in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the laddu presented to Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao that year. Since 2009 the auction has been open to bidders from outside Balapur, expanding its appeal across Hyderabad and neighboring states.
Data & Statistics
- Laddu weight: 21 kg (approximately 46 lb).
- Winning bid (2026): INR39 lakh – highest ever recorded.
- Previous record (2025): INR35 lakh (won by Lingala Dasarath Goud).
- First auction (1994): INR450.
- Bid progression: INR1 lakh (2002) -> INR10 lakh (2015) -> INR30.01 lakh (2024) -> INR39 lakh (2026).
- Number of bidders (2026): 9, including five corporate representatives and one overseas participant.
Official Statements & Responses
The Balapur Ganesh Utsav Samithi highlighted that a portion of the auction proceeds is earmarked for next year’s Ganesh Puja celebrations, while the remainder funds community-development projects in the Balapur area. After the auction, organizers felicitated Reddy and handed over the laddu as prasadam. Reddy conveyed that the laddu is regarded as a symbol of prosperity; he intends to distribute it among the community, citing blessings from Lord Ganesha.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) National Spokesperson Ravinuthala Shashidhar described the accompanying Shobha Yatra as a mass immersion event supported by government, administration, and police arrangements. He noted that devotees participated with “patriotic fervour” and that the immersion was expected to conclude by 2 PM despite a brief delay.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact spelling of the winning bidder’s name (e.g., “Sam Praneeth Reddy,” “Sama Praneeth Reddy,” and “Sama Praneet Reddy”). All agree on the identity’s business affiliation and the record bid amount. No source provides a detailed breakdown of how the INR39 lakh will be allocated among specific development projects, leaving the exact impact of the proceeds unclear.
Why It Matters
The escalating bids reflect the growing cultural and economic significance of the Balapur Ganesh laddu within Hyderabad’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The auction has become a focal point for community bonding, charitable fundraising, and the expression of devotional hope for prosperity. The 2026 record underscores how a local religious tradition has evolved into a high-profile public event that draws participants from across India and abroad.
