For the first time in its history, the Punjab State Lottery Department is offering a ₹10 crore (₹100,000,000) top prize in its Lohri-Makar Sankranti Bumper Lottery 2025, with total prize money hitting ₹23.48 crore. The draw, scheduled to coincide with the festive season of Lohri on January 13 and Makar Sankranti on January 14, 2025, is already generating unprecedented buzz across Punjab and beyond. At ₹500 per ticket, the lottery is designed to be accessible to everyday workers, shopkeepers, and farmers — turning a modest investment into life-changing possibility.
Historic Prize Structure
The prize distribution is unlike anything Punjab’s lottery has ever seen. Alongside the ₹10 crore first prize, there’s a ₹1 crore second prize, a ₹50 lakh third prize, eight fourth prizes of ₹10 lakh each (totaling ₹80 lakh), and eight fifth prizes of ₹5 lakh each (another ₹40 lakh). That’s ₹23,47,90,000 in cash handed out in one draw — nearly 50% more than the state’s previous record-breaking Diwali lottery. Official distributor Rakesh Acharya confirmed the structure: "This isn’t just about bigger numbers. It’s about giving ordinary people a real shot at dignity, security, and dreams they’ve deferred for years."
Why This Matters Beyond the Numbers
Punjab’s lottery has long been a cultural fixture — not just a game of chance, but a ritual tied to harvest festivals and family gatherings. But this year’s scale signals a deliberate shift. The state government, facing economic pressure in rural areas and declining agricultural incomes, is using the lottery not just to raise revenue, but to inject hope. "We’ve seen how a single win can ripple through villages," said a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "One winner buys a tractor, hires local labor, sends kids to college. That’s economic stimulus in real time." The move follows a pattern seen in other states — Maharashtra’s Ganesh Chaturthi lottery, West Bengal’s Durga Puja draws — but Punjab’s ₹10 crore prize is now the highest in North India. It’s also a direct response to the viral success of last year’s Diwali draw, where Amit Sehara, a vegetable vendor from Kotputli, won ₹11 crore after borrowing ₹1,000 from a friend. His story, captured on a shaky phone camera, became a national sensation — and a symbol of what’s possible.
Global Context: When Luck Crosses Borders
While Punjab’s jackpot is historic locally, it’s dwarfed by international wins. In October 2025, Anil Kumar Bola, a 29-year-old Indian expat in Abu Dhabi, won DH100 million (roughly ₹240 crore) in the UAE’s Lucky Day Draw #251018. "This isn’t just a win for him," said Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director at UAE Lottery. "It’s proof that diaspora communities are deeply engaged in these games — and that’s a market we’re only beginning to tap."
Bola, who plans to invest his winnings in property and education, told reporters he bought his ticket on a whim. "I thought, why not? I’ve been saving for five years. This is the year luck decided to show up."
How to Play and What’s Still Unclear
Tickets are available only through authorized distributors listed on the official portal, punjabstatelotteries.gov.in. The draw will be streamed live there — no third-party platforms allowed. But key details remain unconfirmed: the exact draw date, ticket sales deadline, and whether online purchases will be permitted. Authorities have hinted at a January 12–14 window, but no official notice has been posted.
What’s clear is the security protocol. Draws are conducted under video surveillance with independent auditors present. Winning numbers are generated via a certified random number generator, and winners must present the original ticket with a matching serial and hologram. "We’ve had fraud attempts before," said a department insider. "This time, we’re not taking chances."
What Comes Next?
With Diwali’s ₹11 crore draw scheduled for October 31, 2025, Punjab is clearly building momentum. The state’s lottery revenue hit ₹1,800 crore last fiscal year — up 22% from 2023. Analysts believe the Lohri-Makar Sankranti draw could push it past ₹2,000 crore this year. But beyond numbers, there’s a deeper question: Is this a tool for empowerment — or just another gamble for the poor?
"I bought two tickets," said Harpreet Kaur, a schoolteacher from Amritsar. "I’m not expecting to win. But if I do? My daughter’s medical bills are gone. My brother’s loan is cleared. That’s not luck. That’s justice."
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify if my ticket is legitimate?
Only tickets purchased from authorized distributors listed on the official Punjab State Lottery website (punjabstatelotteries.gov.in) are valid. Each ticket must have a unique serial number, a government-issued hologram, and a QR code that links to the lottery’s verification portal. Counterfeit tickets lack these features and will be disqualified during claim verification.
What happens if I lose my winning ticket?
Punjab State Lottery strictly follows a "ticket is the prize" policy. Without the original physical ticket — complete with hologram and serial number — no claim will be honored, even with a photocopy or digital photo. The department advises buyers to store tickets in a secure place and consider photographing them immediately after purchase as a backup.
Are winnings taxed in India?
Yes. Under Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act, lottery winnings are taxed at a flat 30% plus applicable cess and surcharge. For a ₹10 crore prize, the winner would pay roughly ₹3.3 crore in taxes, leaving them with ₹6.7 crore net. The lottery department deducts this at source before disbursement. Winners must still file an ITR and disclose the income.
Why is Punjab offering such high prizes now?
The state aims to boost lottery participation amid declining rural incomes and rising migration. With the Lohri-Makar Sankranti draw, officials hope to tap into cultural traditions while generating revenue for public welfare programs. The ₹23.48 crore prize pool also reflects a strategy to compete with informal betting rings and keep economic activity within the legal system.
Can non-residents of Punjab buy tickets?
Yes. While tickets are sold only within Punjab through authorized vendors, there’s no restriction on who buys them. Non-residents, including NRIs visiting family during the holidays, can purchase tickets. However, winners must claim prizes in person at the Punjab State Lottery office in Chandigarh, with valid ID and original ticket — making international claims logistically complex.
How is the draw made fair and transparent?
The draw uses a certified, tamper-proof random number generator, monitored by independent auditors from the Punjab State Audit Department. The entire process is recorded and streamed live on the official website. Three randomly selected citizens from different districts are invited to witness the draw in person, ensuring public trust. Results are verified by three separate teams before being published.
