10-kg Ganesh laddu auctioned for record ₹2.32 crore in Hyderabad’s Bandlaguda

The famed festive laddu at Keerthi Richmond Villas in Bandlaguda here was auctioned for ₹2.32 crore on Friday night, marking Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Weighing 10 kilograms, the sweet set a record price as well, climbing ₹45 lakh higher than last year’s ₹1.87 crore.

The bidding was spirited, with over 80 villa owners divided into four groups and placing more than about 500 bids over 2.5 hours. “We have adopted a group auction model. It encourages teamwork and avoids the ego clashes that often come with individual bidding,” said Abhay Deshpande, managing trustee of the community.

He added, “What makes it special is not just the excitement of the auction, but the fact that the community comes together to raise funds for a larger cause. Today we began at 8.15 p.m. and the final auction was announced around 10.40 p.m.”

The proceeds are directed to RV Diya Charitable Trust, which supports over 42 NGOs. These organisations work in areas ranging from old-age care, menstrual hygiene and women’s welfare to education, nutrition, medical aid and animal welfare. Collectively, they reach more than 10,000 lives.

Residents of the Keerthi Richmond Villas in Bandlaguda. Over 80 villa owners, divided into four groups, took part in the auction and placed more than about 500 bids over 2.5 hours; (right) the 10-kg laddu.
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ARRANGEMENT

“All of this is run entirely by volunteers with no administrative costs. Every rupee raised is put straight into action. We prefer to provide support directly to NGOs in Hyderabad, so we can see how the funds are being used and help them in the way they need most,” Mr. Deshpande explained.

The auction began modestly in 2018 with just ₹25,000, but has grown into one of Telangana’s most expensive festive laddus. In 2019, it fetched ₹18.75 lakh, followed by ₹27.3 lakh in 2020, ₹41 lakh in 2021, ₹60 lakh in 2022 and ₹1.26 crore in 2023.

Speaking about the importance of the laddu, Mr. Deshpande said, “The laddu is placed before the Ganesh idol for all 10 days of the festival. Special care is taken to keep it safe and hygienic. Once the auction is over, it is divided and shared as prasad with villa owners and others. With a 10-kg laddu this year, we can distribute blessings to many more people.”