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Tag: Telangana News

Balapur Ganesh Laddu Fetches Record Rs 39 Lakh in Auction

Hyderabad: The famous Balapur Ganesh laddu auction 2026 has created a new record, with the 21-kg laddu fetching Rs 39 lakh in an open auction held on Friday, September 25.

City-based entrepreneur S. Praneet Reddy emerged as the successful bidder for the iconic Balapur Ganesh laddu. The auction was held in Balapur, on the southern outskirts of Hyderabad, before the traditional Ganesh immersion procession.

Balapur Ganesh Laddu Sold for Rs 39 Lakh

The Balapur Ganesh laddu auction attracted eight bidders this year. The annual auction is one of the most popular traditions associated with Hyderabad’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Devotees and bidders believe that the Balapur laddu brings prosperity and good fortune to the person who wins the auction. The winner traditionally shares pieces of the laddu with family and friends and also distributes or preserves portions of it at homes, businesses and agricultural fields.

Balapur Laddu Auction Price Rises Every Year

The Balapur laddu auction has witnessed a significant rise in its price over the years. The tradition began in 1994, when the laddu was sold for just Rs 450.

Kolanu Mohan Reddy won the first auction in 1994 and reportedly remained the successful bidder for five consecutive years. His claims of prosperity after winning the auction helped increase the popularity of the Balapur Ganesh laddu.

Since then, the auction has become an important part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Hyderabad.

Previous Balapur Ganesh Laddu Auction Records

The Balapur Ganesh laddu has continued to attract high bids in recent years.

  • 1994: Rs 450
  • 2024: Rs 30.01 lakh
  • 2025: Rs 35 lakh
  • 2026: Rs 39 lakh

The latest Rs 39 lakh Balapur laddu auction has set a new record.

Balapur Ganesh Immersion Procession

The annual laddu auction marks the beginning of the traditional Ganesh immersion procession from Balapur. The procession passes through several parts of Hyderabad before reaching Hussain Sagar Lake.

The Balapur Ganesh celebrations have a history of around 45 years, while the laddu auction tradition has continued since 1994.

History of the Balapur Ganesh Laddu Auction

For the first 15 years, the auction was restricted to local residents. The organisers later opened the auction to people from other areas, increasing participation and the popularity of the tradition.

According to the Balapur Ganesh Utsav Samithi, the auction has been conducted 31 times so far. The auction was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 situation. During that year, the organisers presented the laddu to then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

Why Is the Balapur Laddu So Popular?

The Balapur Ganesh laddu has gained popularity because of the belief that it brings prosperity and good fortune. Businessmen and other participants have traditionally competed to win the auction.

The laddu is not only considered a religious offering but has also become an important symbol of Hyderabad’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

With Rs 39 lakh, the 2026 Balapur Ganesh laddu auction has once again highlighted the unique tradition and growing popularity of the famous Hyderabad Ganesh festival.

Hyderabad gears up for massive Ganesh immersion with 20,000 police personnel

Hyderabad is set for the final Ganesh idol immersion procession, with authorities deploying a large-scale security and crowd-management operation across the city.

Nearly 20,000 police personnel, more than 10,000 CCTV cameras and 24 drones will be used to monitor the procession and manage the movement of lakhs of devotees and thousands of idols arriving from Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri, Future City and neighbouring districts.

The Khairatabad Ganesh idol has already drawn around 25 lakh visitors, while nearly 15 lakh devotees have visited the Balapur Ganesh idol. Security has been strengthened at both locations ahead of the final immersion.

Preparations for the event began nearly three months ago. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar held coordination meetings with government departments, festival organisers, idol makers and peace committees to streamline arrangements.

Police said 15,426 applications were received through the online Ganesh pandal permission system, with 14,929 permissions granted following physical verification. Approved pandals have been geo-tagged, while safety instructions covering fire and electrical risks have been displayed in bilingual posters.

By Wednesday, 32,878 idols had been immersed across Hyderabad and surrounding areas, including 6,108 within Hyderabad city limits.

The city’s surveillance network has been linked to the Telangana State Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC) in Banjara Hills. In addition to the CCTV network, nearly 100 high-rise cameras will monitor crowd density and movement along key procession routes.

Police teams equipped with binoculars and wireless communication devices have been stationed on rooftops. Round-the-clock control rooms have been established at NTR Marg, People’s Plaza, Necklace Road and Moghalpura Sports Complex, with senior officials coordinating operations.

Emergency-response arrangements include rescue boats and expert divers from the Indian Army and Tourism Department at major water bodies. Ambulances, paramedical teams, fire tenders, generators and watchtowers have also been positioned at strategic locations. Mechanics and backup drivers will be available at key junctions to address vehicle breakdowns.

The police deployment includes personnel from the Law and Order, Traffic, Task Force, Special Branch, City Security Wing and City Armed Reserve units. An additional 8,142 personnel from other districts, organised into 42 platoons, have been assigned to seven security zones.

Four companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in Charminar, Golconda, Rajendranagar and Shamshabad, while two companies of the Central Armed Reserve Force (CRPF) are stationed in Khairatabad and Secunderabad.

Security checks are also being carried out by 53 bomb detection teams at procession routes, entry points, railway stations, bus terminals and shopping malls.

Authorities have prohibited DJ systems, sound mixers, high-decibel audio equipment and firecrackers during the procession in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines on noise pollution and public health. Police warned that violations could result in seizure of equipment and legal action.

Aadab Hyderabad Completes 15 Years, Grand Anniversary Celebrations at Ravindra Bharathi

Hyderabad: Telugu daily Aadab Hyderabad marked the completion of 15 years of its journalistic journey with grand anniversary celebrations at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad.

The day-long event brought together ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, political leaders, senior police officials, journalists, artists, academicians, entrepreneurs, advertisers, readers and well-wishers.

Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar congratulated Aadab Hyderabad on completing 15 years and appreciated its efforts to highlight public issues and take information about government welfare programmes closer to the people.

Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao praised the newspaper’s straightforward and impartial approach to journalism, while BJP MP Dr. K. Laxman appreciated its role in raising public concerns and providing a platform for people’s voices.

Government Adviser K. Keshava Rao highlighted the challenges involved in sustaining a newspaper for 15 years and congratulated the management, journalists and employees. Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao also appreciated the publication’s distinctive identity and the commitment of its journalists.

Kalvakuntla Kavitha emphasised the importance of regional and smaller newspapers in highlighting grassroots issues and called for greater support and welfare measures for journalists.

Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, who attended as chief guest, congratulated Aadab Hyderabad and appreciated its efforts to highlight public concerns and promote impartial journalism.

“Our Word – A Weapon Against Corruption”

Addressing the gathering, Aadab Hyderabad Chairman and Managing Director Satyam Veeramalla described the 15th anniversary as an emotional and significant milestone.

Reaffirming the newspaper’s philosophy, he said Aadab Hyderabad would continue to raise public issues, question wrongdoing and bring the grievances of ordinary citizens into public discourse without compromising on its principles.

The celebrations also featured traditional dances, cultural programmes, theatre performances and felicitation ceremonies, adding colour to the grand occasion.

The management thanked its readers, journalists, employees, advertisers, agents, supporters and well-wishers for their contribution to the newspaper’s 15-year journey.

With 15 years completed, Aadab Hyderabad now enters the next phase of its journey with renewed responsibility and determination, promising to further strengthen its role in Telugu journalism and continue giving voice to issues of public importance.

Aadab Hyderabad – 15 Years of Journalism, Public Issues and People’s Voice.

Bonalu 2026 Begins at Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahankali Temple; AI Surveillance & Tight Security in Place

The vibrant Bonalu Festival 2026 commenced at the historic Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad, drawing thousands of devotees from Hyderabad and surrounding districts from the early hours of the morning.

Women dressed in traditional pattu sarees carried beautifully decorated Bonam offerings filled with cooked rice and jaggery as a mark of gratitude and devotion to Goddess Mahankali. The temple and surrounding streets were adorned with colorful flowers and LED lights, creating a festive atmosphere across the area.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, Hyderabad Police deployed over 2,500 personnel and implemented extensive security and traffic arrangements. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar reviewed the security measures and announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to monitor suspicious activities and identify pickpockets in real time.

Additional SHE Teams have also been deployed to ensure the safety of women devotees, while barricades and traffic diversions have been put in place to regulate the large crowds and maintain smooth traffic flow.

The combination of traditional devotion and modern technology is helping ensure that one of Telangana’s most celebrated festivals is conducted safely and peacefully.

Hyderabad Secures Drinking Water Supply Until Summer 2027 as Godavari Reservoirs Overflow

Hyderabad residents can breathe a sigh of relief as the city’s drinking water supply has been secured until Summer 2027, thanks to heavy monsoon rains that have significantly increased water levels in Godavari-linked reservoirs. Officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) confirmed that the recent spell of continuous rainfall has transformed the city’s water outlook, easing concerns over future shortages.

Earlier, authorities had estimated that the available water reserves would last only until November 2026. However, abundant rainfall across Telangana has dramatically improved storage levels in major reservoirs, extending Hyderabad’s drinking water security by several more months.

One of the biggest contributors to this improvement is the Sripada Yellampalli Project on the Godavari River. The project currently supplies around 162 million gallons of water per day (MGD) to Hyderabad. Following the recent rains, inflows into the reservoir surged to nearly 1.91 lakh cusecs, causing water storage to rise from 8.1 TMC to over 16.2 TMC within just a few days. The project continues to provide nearly 10 TMC of drinking water annually to the city.

The Kadem Reservoir has also reached full capacity due to heavy inflows, prompting authorities to open five floodgates. Officials resumed pumping water to the Nandi Pump House and other connected projects, further strengthening the water distribution network.

Meanwhile, ongoing repair and maintenance work at the Singur Reservoir temporarily reduced its water supply from the usual 75 MGD to around 69.5 MGD. Despite this reduction, officials assured that the increased inflows from Godavari-linked projects would comfortably compensate for the shortfall, ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply across Hyderabad.

Currently, the HMWSSB supplies approximately 550 million gallons of drinking water every day to Hyderabad. Water is sourced from six major reservoirs, including Singur, Manjira, Krishna, Godavari, Osman Sagar, and Himayat Sagar. The recent monsoon has significantly strengthened these reserves, providing confidence that the city will have adequate water resources well into next summer.

Officials have welcomed the improved reservoir levels, stating that the strong monsoon has not only secured Hyderabad’s immediate water needs but also enhanced long-term water management and sustainability. Citizens are nevertheless encouraged to continue using water responsibly and avoid unnecessary wastage to ensure efficient utilization of the available resources.

Moving from Bengaluru to Hyderabad Costs ₹3.6 Lakh, Says Microsoft Techie

Relocating to a new city is not just about shifting luggage — setting up a new home, paying rent, deposits, buying furniture, appliances, and daily essentials can become a major expense. A Microsoft employee’s relocation story has sparked discussions online after revealing the cost of starting a new life in Hyderabad.

Digital content creator Krish, who mentions that he works at Microsoft, shared his relocation journey from Bengaluru to Hyderabad and revealed that it cost him around ₹3.6 lakh to set up a new home.

The couple already owned a house in Bengaluru, but due to a work-related move, they had to start fresh in Hyderabad with a rented apartment. Krish also shared that his wife left her job in Bengaluru to relocate with him and begin a new chapter together.

According to Krish’s breakdown:

🏠 2 BHK Apartment Rent: ₹30,000 per month
🔐 Security Deposit: ₹60,000
🛋️ Furniture & Home Setup: Major portion of the expenses
⚡ Appliances & Household Essentials: Additional costs

The couple rented a 2 BHK apartment in Manikonda, Hyderabad, and purchased everything needed to make their new house comfortable — from furniture and appliances to everyday household items.

The post received a lot of attention on social media, with users sharing their own relocation experiences and asking about rental prices, preferred areas, and the cost of living in Hyderabad.

As Hyderabad continues to grow as a major IT hub, thousands of professionals are moving to the city for better career opportunities. However, this experience highlights how much financial planning is required to settle into a new city and create a home from scratch.

Hyderabad Officials Push for 16 TMC Storage in Singur to Safeguard Next Summer’s Water Supply

Hyderabad: Telangana officials have proposed maintaining at least 16 TMC ft of water in the Singur Reservoir to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply for Hyderabad during the summer of 2027. The recommendation was made during a high-level review meeting chaired by Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, where officials assessed reservoir storage levels, monsoon inflows, and future water demand across Hyderabad and other urban areas.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Irrigation Department, Mission Bhagiratha, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), and HYDRAA.

HMWS&SB Managing Director Ashok Reddy informed the meeting that Hyderabad’s drinking water needs could be met through supplies from the Krishna River, Osmansagar, and Himayatsagar reservoirs until the end of June 2027. However, water available from the Manjira and Singur reservoirs, along with existing Godavari supplies, is expected to last only until September 30, 2026, making adequate storage in Singur essential for long-term water security.

Mission Bhagiratha Engineer-in-Chief K. Kripakar Reddy stated that the current water availability in the Singur catchment area would sustain supplies for only around 45 more days under prevailing conditions.

To strengthen the city’s water supply, officials decided to complete four kilometres of pending pipeline work to bring additional Godavari water to Mission Bhagiratha within 40 days. The project, estimated to cost ₹3 crore, is expected to add 40 million gallons per day (MGD) to the existing supply network upon completion.

During the review, officials also directed departments dependent on Singur waters to prepare contingency plans to prevent shortages. Jayesh Ranjan instructed departments to improve groundwater recharge by constructing rainwater harvesting structures near borewells and asked agencies to develop emergency strategies for diverting water from alternative sources if required.

The review reflects the Telangana government’s proactive efforts to strengthen Hyderabad’s water security and ensure reliable drinking water availability despite fluctuating reservoir levels and seasonal challenges.

Hyderabad Marks International Day of Yoga with Citywide Sessions Promoting Health and Harmony

Hyderabad, June 21, 2026: Hyderabad observed the International Day of Yoga with enthusiastic participation across the city as thousands gathered at parks, public venues, institutions, and community spaces for yoga sessions and wellness activities. The celebrations began under cloudy skies, highlighting the growing popularity of yoga as a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

At Lok Bhavan, Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla joined officers and staff of Raj Bhavan in a yoga session led by instructors from The Art of Living. Addressing the gathering, the Governor described yoga as a timeless gift from India to humanity and a powerful tool for achieving holistic wellness.

He emphasized that yoga strengthens physical health, enhances mental resilience, and promotes spiritual balance. Calling yoga a symbol of India’s eternal wisdom, he said it has grown into a global movement that encourages health, harmony, and well-being. The Governor urged citizens to move beyond celebrating yoga as an annual event and instead embrace it as a lifelong practice.

Meanwhile, Telangana Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha participated in the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium. Joining yoga instructors and participants, the Minister described yoga as one of India’s greatest contributions to the world.

He encouraged people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and stated that the Telangana government is actively promoting awareness about its health benefits. He noted that yoga is being introduced in educational institutions from schools to colleges, while the State’s AYUSH Department continues to expand yoga training initiatives as part of its vision to build a healthier Telangana.

Another major yoga event was held at Sri Lakshmi Sai Gardens in Malkajgiri, where more than 250 participants gathered under the guidance of Madhava Murthy Guruji, founder of Divine Yoga. The event also saw participation from a delegation of employees from The Hindu.

During his address, Madhava Murthy Guruji emphasized the importance of reconnecting with India’s cultural roots through yoga. He encouraged practitioners to understand the deeper cultural and spiritual significance of yoga rather than viewing it solely as a form of physical exercise, highlighting its role in preserving India’s ancient traditions while fostering personal well-being.

The citywide celebrations reflected Hyderabad’s growing commitment to wellness, with yoga serving as a bridge between India’s rich cultural heritage and modern approaches to healthy living.

PM Modi Launches Major Development Projects in Hyderabad, Calls Cyberabad India’s Growth Engine

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several major development projects in Hyderabad, highlighting Cyberabad’s growing role as a key driver of economic and technological growth in India.

The Prime Minister was joined by Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during the event.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said Cyberabad has emerged as a critical hub for Telangana’s progress and holds importance not only nationally but globally.

“The strength of Cyberabad is both national and global. It is a major centre for the rapid development of Telangana and the country. Therefore, today from Cyberabad, numerous major projects are being launched to make Telangana a major manufacturing powerhouse of the country,” he said.

He stated that the newly launched and proposed projects would create thousands of employment opportunities and significantly improve infrastructure connectivity in the state.

“The projects whose foundation stone was laid or inaugurated today will provide thousands of new jobs here. Telangana’s connectivity has also been strengthened. I congratulate the people of Telangana for these projects,” PM Modi added.

Highlighting the Centre’s investment in Telangana’s railway sector, the Prime Minister compared current allocations with the pre-2014 period.

“For an undivided Andhra Pradesh before 2014, the railway budget was even less than ₹1,000 crore. Today, the railway budget for Telangana alone is approximately ₹5,500 crore. Currently, work is underway on railway projects worth about ₹50,000 crore,” he said.

PM Modi also reaffirmed the Central government’s commitment to Telangana’s development and welfare.

He said the youth, farmers, industries, MSMEs, and startups in Telangana are playing a crucial role in shaping the state’s future.

“Today, the youth of Telangana are dreaming new dreams. Farmers want to move forward with new hopes. Industries, MSMEs, and startups here all want to contribute to building a developed Telangana because if Telangana develops, India will develop,” he said.

Assuring continued support from the Centre, PM Modi said the government would work at an even faster pace to help fulfil the aspirations of people across Telangana.

The event marked another major push toward infrastructure expansion, industrial growth, and connectivity development in Telangana, reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as a leading economic hub in India.

PM Modi to Launch ₹7,823 Crore Development Projects in Hyderabad on May 10

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹7,823 crore during his visit to Hyderabad on May 10, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy announced on Thursday.

Addressing the media, Kishan Reddy said this would be PM Modi’s first visit to Telangana after assuming office for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. Following the launch of various infrastructure initiatives, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a massive public meeting at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.

According to the Union Minister, several major railway, highway, and industrial projects aimed at boosting Telangana’s infrastructure and economic growth will be dedicated to the nation during the visit.

Among the key projects, PM Modi will virtually lay the foundation stone for national highway works worth nearly ₹3,175 crore in the Mahabubnagar region. He will also inaugurate the third railway line between Kazipet and Vijayawada, developed at a cost of approximately ₹1,243 crore.

The Prime Minister will further inaugurate the upgraded Hafeezpet and Jogulamba railway stations. Kishan Reddy stated that railway projects worth nearly ₹85,000 crore are currently under implementation across Telangana. He also highlighted the extension of Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) train services from Hyderabad to Yadagirigutta.

The upcoming projects also include a petroleum products terminal aimed at strengthening the region’s industrial and energy infrastructure.

Emphasising the Centre’s focus on Telangana’s development, Kishan Reddy said the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park in Warangal is progressing rapidly. He also noted that the Central government would take an immediate decision on the second phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is submitted.

During the public meeting organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), PM Modi is expected to thank the people of Telangana for supporting the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha and Legislative Council elections. The party plans to mobilise lakhs of supporters from Hyderabad and various districts across the state for the event.

Kishan Reddy added that the Prime Minister would also speak about the achievements of his government, including progress in infrastructure, engineering, and national security sectors, while seeking the continued support and blessings of the people of Telangana.