₹5.83 lakh for a bunch of bananas? Only in Thrissur
So while the world chuckles at a French museum banana taped to a wall that was once valued at millions, Kerala has its own story to tell.
So while the world chuckles at a French museum banana taped to a wall that was once valued at millions, Kerala has its own story to tell.
So while the world chuckles at a French museum banana taped to a wall that was once valued at millions, Kerala has its own story to tell.
What’s the most you’ve paid for bananas? A hundred rupees, maybe two? In Thrissur, a single bunch recently fetched ₹5.83 lakh—yes, you read that right.
The scene was the annual festival at St. Mary’s Assumption Church at Ayyanthole, Thrissur. As part of the celebrations, a special auction was held to raise funds for the church’s renovation. Up for bidding was a bunch of Chengalikodan bananas, sponsored by a parishioner. What followed was a spirited round of group bidding led by the parish community and church units, who pooled their contributions until the hammer fell at an eye-popping figure.
Of course, the bananas themselves aren’t “worth” lakhs in the open market. Outside the auction hall, you could pick up the same bunch for around a thousand rupees. But in this context, the fruit was more than just fruit—it was a symbol, a shared gesture of faith, pride and generosity.
And it helps that Chengalikodan is no ordinary banana. Native to Kerala and granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, it’s prized for its distinctive golden skin tinged with red and brown, its unique flavour, and its cultural ties to Thrissur’s harvest traditions. Known as the “king among bananas,” it often makes a special appearance at temples, churches, and festive occasions.
So while the world chuckles at a French museum banana taped to a wall that was once valued at millions, Kerala has its own story to tell—of a fruit that raised lakhs, not because of shock value, but because it brought a community together.