In Hyderabad, amid controversy surrounding the popular Tirupati laddu due to alleged adulteration, skilled artisans near the foothills of Tirumala have been crafting exquisite wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities for over a century. These artisans are now preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their renowned Madhavamala wood carvings, which are cherished for their detailed renditions of divinities like Kalyana Balaji, Raja and Rani dolls, as well as various decorative and functional wooden items. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will submit the GI application with support from NABARD. This application will mark the 20th GI filing from Andhra Pradesh, as per GI practitioner Subhajit Saha assisting the artisans in pursuing this recognition.