In Hyderabad, the artisans at the foothills of Tirumala, who have been crafting intricate wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities for over a century, are preparing to apply for a geographical indication tag. The renowned Madhavamala wood carvings are famous for their detailed lifelike idols, including Kalyana Balaji, Raja and Rani dolls, children's toys, doors and windows adorned with intricate floral carvings, pooja mandapams, wooden pillars, and furniture. Representing 510 artisans from 309 families, the Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited will submit the GI application with the assistance of NABARD, making it the 20th such application to be filed from AP. GI practitioner Subhajit Saha will support the artisans in claiming the tag.