In Hyderabad, amidst the controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddu due to allegations of contamination, artisans at the base of Tirumala are preparing to apply for a geographical indication tag. These skilled craftsmen have been creating detailed wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities for more than a century. The Madhavamala wood carvings are renowned for their intricately designed idols of gods and goddesses, as well as various other wooden creations like toys, doors, windows, furniture, and more. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families involved in making Madhavamala wood carvings, will submit the application for a geographical indication tag with the assistance of NABARD, a facilitation agency. This will mark the 20th geographical indication application from Andhra Pradesh, as noted by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha, who will support the artisans in securing the tag along with NABARD.