In Hyderabad, amid controversy surrounding alleged adulteration of the popular Tirupati laddu, skilled artisans at the base of Tirumala hill are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their intricate wooden carvings of deities such as Lord Balaji and other gods. These artisans have been creating finely detailed wooden statues for over a hundred years, including lifelike idols, dolls, toys, doors, windows, pooja mandapams, pillars, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will be submitting the application for the GI tag with facilitation from NABARD. This application for the Madhavamala wood carvings will mark the 20th GI filing from Andhra Pradesh, with GI practitioner Subhajit Saha assisting the artisans in the process.