Talcher, Sept. 26 (UDN): A massive laddoo weighing around four tonnes and offered as prasad during the Ganesh festival was auctioned for Rs 17 lakh in Talcher, drawing enthusiastic participation from devotees despite heavy rainfall.
Representational Image
The Diamond Group emerged as the highest bidder after a spirited auction and took home the giant sweet offered to Lord Ganesh.
Bidding Draws Huge Crowd
The auction began with relatively modest bids but quickly gathered momentum, with the amount climbing into lakhs within minutes.
Hundreds of devotees remained present despite the rain and cheered as several individuals and organisations competed for the religious offering. After a closely contested bidding session, the Diamond Group secured the laddoo for Rs 17 lakh.
Prasad Linked to Prosperity
The annual auction holds a special place in Talcher’s Ganesh festival celebrations. Devotees traditionally associate winning the giant laddoo with prosperity and good fortune.
According to local belief, the winning bidder shares portions of the prasad with family members, friends and others. Some devotees also preserve or distribute remnants of the laddoo by placing them at homes, business establishments and agricultural fields as a symbol of blessings and prosperity.
Auction Marks Start of Immersion Procession
Several organisations and individuals participated in this year's auction, continuing a longstanding local tradition.
The annual laddoo auction also marks the beginning of the Lord Ganesh immersion procession, which passes through different parts of Talcher town, adding to the festive atmosphere.