Sama Praneet Reddy sealed the 2026 Balapur Ganesh laddu auction in Hyderabad on September 25, clinching a Rs 39 lakh bid. The 5‑kg sweet, traditionally offered to Lord Ganesha, crossed the 39‑lakh mark, up ₹4 lakh from last year’s record. The auction, held at the Balapur village pavilion after the final puja, attracted bidders from around the city, turning the event into a financial and spiritual spectacle. The proceeds will be earmarked for the community’s next year’s celebrations and charitable projects under the RV Diya Charitable Trust.
The laddu auction began in 1994 when farmer Kolan Mohan Reddy purchased the first sweet for ₹450. Since then the price has leapt, hitting ₹1 lakh in 2002, ₹10 lakh in 2015 and ₹30.01 lakh in 2024. Lingala Dasrath Goud of Karmanghat broke the record with ₹35 lakh in 2025. Now the tradition has expanded beyond Balapur, with gated communities across Hyderabad hosting their own auctions.
The same day, the Keerthi Richmond Villas auction in Bandlaguda Jagir saw a 5‑kg laddu sold to the Shaktiman group for ₹1.01 crore. Other high‑value bids included ₹30.50 lakh at Kohinoor by Auro Realty in HITEC City, ₹25 lakh at My Home Bhooja, and ₹21.11 lakh at My Home Mangala in Kondapur. Smaller communities also saw notable sales: My Home Avatar at ₹8.20 lakh and Rainbow Vistas Phase 1 at ₹7.50 lakh. These auctions underscore the economic dimension of the festival within Hyderabad’s urban fabric.
For many residents, the laddu is more than a sweet; it symbolizes blessings and prosperity. Sama Praneet Reddy told reporters he felt a sense of responsibility to share the blessings with his neighbors. Local resident Asha Nair, whose family used last year’s proceeds to build a new school, echoed that sentiment. The auction’s charitable legacy continues to strengthen community bonds.
The next Balapur auction is scheduled for September 25 at 9:30 a.m., following the final puja and village procession. Organizers expect the bid to climb further, as last year’s record drew competitors from across the state. Officials from the RV Diya Charitable Trust will announce how the funds will be allocated for the 2027 celebrations. The auction remains a focal point for devotees, investors, and philanthropists alike.