Many of you should be aware that Balaji temple in Tirupati, India is the most important deity for Hindus like Makka or Vatican. The prasadam offered in this temple called Tirupati Laddu – an Indian sweet made of tiny syrup soaked balls called boondi. The people who visit Tirupati bring back with them Tirupati laddu for distribution to friends and relatives. Tirupati laddu is known for its unique intensely sweet quality and the size. A normal laddu made in Indian homes are sold in sweet meat shops in India are just 25% of the size of Tirupati laddu. This particular variety of Indian sweet called Laddu is peculiar to Tirupati and is exclusively identified with the Tirumala Temple at Tirupati and the offering made to Lord Balaji.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) a trust which manages Balaji temple at Tirupati, world’s richest temple has applied for geographical indication registration for Tirupati Laddu. Now the most famous and sought after prasadam for Hindus from the world over would be available with the GI tag. There would not be any imitation or passing off.

GI registrations which had started recently has been awarded to several products of Indian origin emanating from defined restricted territory such as Kancheepuram silk saree, Chennapatna wooden toys, Darjeeling tea, etc. The GI registrations in India has a totally different portfolio compared to GI registrations the world over – in most of the countries GI registrations are for wines or alcoholic beverages. The GI registrations in India cover silk, textiles, toys, food articles, beverages, coir, tea, coffee, handicrafts and a wide range of goods. Now on the top of it all we would have Tirupati Laddu with a GI tag. Our pranams to Lord Balaji.