If you thought the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations could not get any grander this year, you should know that a Ganesh laddu at Keerthi Richmond Villas in Bandlaguda, Hyderabad, was auctioned for an astounding Rs 1.87 crore on Monday night. This year's sale price marks a hike of Rs 61 lakh compared to last year when the laddu sold for Rs 1.26 crore. Over the years, this laddu has earned the distinction of being the most expensive offering during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the state. In 2022, it fetched Rs 60 lakh at auction.
In recent years, the laddu from Keerthi Richmond Villas in Bandlaguda has gained a reputation as the most expensive offering at the state's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The gated residential community is known for its spacious villas and scenic landscapes. However, the villas gained even more fame due to the annual auction of the Ganesh laddu during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. This unique tradition has made headlines, with the laddu being auctioned for record-breaking amounts, drawing attention from the media and the public.
The auction began in 2019 when the laddu sold for Rs 18.75 lakh. This was followed by Rs 27.3 lakh in 2020, Rs 41 lakh in 2021, Rs 60 lakh in 2022, and an impressive Rs 1.26 crore in 2023. As per reports over 100 villa owners took part in the auction which received 400 bids. The crowdfunding efforts benefit more than 42 NGOs, underprivileged school children, and medical aid for those in need, and all the work is reportedly carried out by RV Diya Charitable Trust.