Hyderabad: As the Tirupati laddu faces controversy surrounding alleged adulteration, artisans living near the base of Tirumala are preparing to apply for a geographical indication tag. For over a century, these skilled craftsmen have been creating detailed wooden statues of deities like Lord Balaji. Their Madhavamala wood carvings are renowned for their lifelike portrayal of gods and goddesses, as well as for items such as Raja and Rani dolls, children's toys, doors and windows adorned with intricate floral designs, pooja mandapams, wooden pillars, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families skilled in crafting Madhavamala wood carvings, will submit their GI tag application with the assistance of NABARD, later this month. This will be the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh, as confirmed by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha, who will support the artisans in securing the tag together with NABARD.