Hyderabad: In light of recent concerns surrounding the authenticity of the Tirupati laddu, artisans residing near the Tirumala hills are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their intricate wooden carvings of deities. For over a century, these artisans have been skillfully crafting lifelike statues of Lord Balaji and other gods, along with various wooden items such as dolls, toys, doors, windows, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, plans to file for the GI tag with the support of NABARD. This application will mark the 20th GI filing from Andhra Pradesh, with GI practitioner Subhajit Saha assisting the artisans in securing the tag.