In Hyderabad, amidst controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddu due to alleged adulteration, artisans near Tirumala are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their intricate wooden carvings. These artisans have been creating detailed wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities for over a century. The Madhavamala wood carvings are renowned for their lifelike idols of gods and goddesses, as well as various items like dolls, toys, doors, windows, floral carvings, mandapams, pillars, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will submit the GI application with the assistance of NABARD. This will be the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh, with GI practitioner Subhajit Saha and NABARD aiding the artisans in securing the tag.