In a remarkable display of devotion and community spirit, Keerthi Richmond Ganesh Laddu, Bandlaguda, fetched a record-breaking ₹1.87 crore at an auction held on Monday, September 16, as part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. This staggering sum sets a new benchmark for religious auctions in Telangana, surpassing the previous year’s bid by ₹61 lakh.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, has long been associated with grandeur and community celebrations. Among these traditions is the auctioning of the Ganesh laddu, a symbolic offering to the deity. Over the years, these auctions have become a significant part of the festivities, with communities competing to bid on the sacred laddu, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the highest bidder.
Intense Bidding and Record-Breaking Price
This year’s auction at Keerthi Richmond Villas was marked by intense competition among devotees and local community members. The bidding war saw the final price skyrocket to ₹1.87 crore, significantly surpassing last year’s ₹1.26 crore. The organisers have yet to reveal the identity of the highest bidder, but the immense enthusiasm and spirit of giving were evident as the crowd cheered each escalating bid.
The tradition of laddu auctions is deeply rooted in the belief that the winning laddu brings blessings of wealth and success. However, these auctions also serve a greater purpose, with the funds raised being used for various developmental and welfare initiatives. In a statement made last year, the organisers mentioned that the funds collected from the auction were used for educational purposes, such as paying school fees for children of house help, as well as other charitable activities aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the community.
A Tradition Spanning Decades
The custom of auctioning the Ganesh laddu has its origins in 1994, when the Balapur Ganesh Utsav Samithi introduced the practice. The first-ever auction saw a humble bid of ₹450 by farmer Kolan Mohan Reddy, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most anticipated events of Ganesh Chaturthi in Telangana. Over the years, the auction has grown in prominence, and today, the winning laddu is viewed not just as a religious offering but as a symbol of prestige within the community.
The ever-increasing bids over the years reflect the growing devotion, as well as the evolving tradition where spiritual practices meet philanthropy. The funds raised from such auctions are consistently channeled toward social welfare activities, emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering community development.
Beyond Tradition: Supporting Social Causes
What makes this tradition particularly special is the charitable aspect behind it. The funds raised are not only seen as religious donations but also as contributions to society. Last year, the trust highlighted its use of ₹2 lakh in funds to support children’s education. The growing pool of money, which has now expanded 60-fold, will continue to support various welfare initiatives that benefit underprivileged sections of society.
As the Keerthi Richmond Villas Ganesh laddu cedes its title as the most expensive laddu in Telangana, the event stands as a powerful testament to the intersection of tradition, faith, and philanthropy. The auction is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of community, culture, and the shared responsibility to uplift those in need.
