In Hyderabad, artisans at the foothills of Tirumala who have been creating intricate wooden statues of gods for over a century are preparing to apply for a geographical indication tag for their renowned Madhavamala wood carvings. These carvings include lifelike idols of deities like Kalyana Balaji, Raja and Rani dolls, children's toys, house doors and windows with floral carvings, pooja mandapams, wooden pillars, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will submit the GI application with the assistance of NABARD. This will be the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh, facilitated by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha and NABARD to help the artisans secure the GI tag.