The Kerala Lottery delivered a life-changing windfall on Friday, September 26, 2025, when ticket number RS 648907, sold in the quiet village of Adimaly, claimed the ₹1 crore top prize in the weekly Suvarna Keralam SK-20 draw. The winning ticket, purchased through JAYAM BROTHERS LOTTERY AGENCY (Agency No.: Y 3748) and managed by agent MANJU MUTHU, sent ripples through the hills of Idukki district — where lottery dreams often outpace paychecks. The draw, held at 3:00 PM IST at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, concluded with official results published by 4:30 PM on statelottery.kerala.gov.in — a ritual followed by over 1.2 million Kerala residents every Friday.
The Winners and the Winning Tickets
The ₹1 crore prize wasn’t the only big win. The second prize of ₹30 lakh went to ticket RU 619996, sold in Kottayam by agent NEERAJ V NAIR (Agency No. K 8795, VAIKOM). The third prize of ₹5 lakh was claimed by RY 716079 from Pattambi, through P MURALI of MURALI LOTTERY AGENCY (Agency No. P 1910, AMBALAPPARA).
But here’s the twist: the consolation prize of ₹5,000 wasn’t just one winner — it was eleven. The ticket numbers RN 648907, RO 648907, RP 648907, RR 648907, RT 648907, RU 648907, RV 648907, RW 648907, RX 648907, RY 648907, and RZ 648907 all shared the same last six digits as the grand prize winner. That’s ₹55,000 in consolation payouts alone, all clustered around the same winning sequence. It’s like winning the lottery’s echo — a design flaw or a stroke of genius? Locals call it "the ripple effect."
Prize Distribution: A Nation of Small Wins
The Kerala State Lotteries Department doesn’t just hand out jackpots — it sprinkles hope. A total of 6,54,507 prizes were distributed across nine tiers in the SK-20 draw. That’s more than half a million people walking away with something — even if it’s just ₹100. The fourth prize (₹5,000) went to 19 tickets, the fifth (₹2,000) to six, and the sixth (₹1,000) to 26. Even the ninth prize — ₹100 — went to hundreds of ticket holders. In a state where daily wages hover around ₹300–₹500, ₹100 isn’t pocket change. It’s a meal, a bus fare, a school book.
"People don’t buy tickets because they think they’ll win the crore," said Thomas Kurian, a retired schoolteacher from Kottayam who buys a ticket every Friday. "They buy it because it’s the only thing that feels like luck still works here."
How the System Works — And Why It Matters
The Kerala State Lotteries Department, established in 1967, is the only government-run lottery system in India. It’s not just a revenue generator — it’s a social safety net. In 2024, it collected ₹1,242 crore in ticket sales and distributed ₹978 crore in prizes. That’s nearly 80% returned to players. The rest funds education, health, and rural development programs across the state. Unlike private gambling, this is state-regulated, transparent, and — most importantly — legal.
The SK-20 draw follows a fixed format: 10 prize categories, with first, second, and third prizes common across all series. The ticket structure — with prefixes like RS, RU, RY — allows for multiple winners on the same number. It’s a clever way to scale payouts without inflating the jackpot. And it works. Every Friday, the website statelottery.kerala.gov.in crashes under traffic, as people refresh their phones in anticipation.
What’s Next? The ₹25 Crore Bumper Draw
Just 24 hours after the SK-20 results, Kerala’s lottery machine revved up again. The Thiruvonam Bumper BR-105 draw is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, with a staggering ₹25 crore first prize — the biggest in Kerala’s history. Second prize: ₹1 crore. Third: ₹50 lakh. Even the consolation prize? ₹5 lakh. That’s more than most people earn in a lifetime.
Agents across the state reported record sales this week. In Adimaly, where the ₹1 crore winner lives, the local shop owner said he sold over 2,000 tickets in the last three days — more than his monthly average. "People are talking about nothing else," he said. "Even the temple priest bought one."
Claims Process: Don’t Miss Your Window
Winners have 30 days to claim prizes up to ₹10,000 through authorized agents. For amounts above that — including the ₹1 crore win — the claim must be made in person at the Kerala State Lotteries office in Thiruvananthapuram, with original ticket, ID proof, and agent verification. The process is strict, but fair. No anonymous claims. No digital transfers. It’s paper, ink, and trust.
"We’ve had people cry when they walk in," said a department official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Some come with their entire family. Others come alone, trembling. We’ve seen widows, students, farmers — all with the same question: ‘Is this real?’"
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to claim a Kerala Lottery prize?
Any individual holding a valid, unaltered, and purchased Kerala lottery ticket is eligible to claim a prize. Winners must present the original ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of purchase from an authorized agent. For prizes above ₹10,000, claims must be submitted in person at the Kerala State Lotteries office in Thiruvananthapuram. Foreign nationals and non-residents are eligible if they purchased the ticket legally within Kerala.
How long do I have to claim my prize?
Winners have exactly 30 days from the date of the draw to claim their prize. After that, the amount forfeits to the Kerala State Lotteries Department and is redirected to state welfare funds. The ₹1 crore winner from Adimaly has until October 26, 2025, to file the claim. Late claims are not accepted under any circumstances, even for medical or travel emergencies.
Why are there so many small prizes in Kerala Lottery?
The structure is intentional. By distributing hundreds of thousands of smaller prizes — even ₹100 — the lottery maintains public engagement and trust. It’s not just about the jackpot; it’s about creating frequent, tangible wins. In a state where 60% of households earn under ₹20,000 monthly, ₹100 can mean a week’s groceries. This model keeps participation high and revenue steady for state funding.
How does Kerala’s lottery differ from private gambling?
Unlike private gambling, which is illegal in most Indian states, Kerala’s lottery is government-run, transparent, and regulated. All proceeds beyond prize payouts fund public services — education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure. The draw is live-streamed, results are published officially, and agents are licensed. There’s no hidden edge. It’s a social program disguised as a game — and it’s been working since 1967.
What happens if I lose my ticket?
Kerala Lottery does not replace lost or damaged tickets. The physical ticket is the only valid proof of ownership. Even if you have a photo or printout, it’s not accepted. The system is designed to prevent fraud — so if you lose it, you lose the prize. Winners are strongly advised to sign the back of their ticket immediately and store it in a secure place.
Will the ₹25 crore Thiruvonam Bumper draw affect future lottery results?
Not directly. Each draw is independent, with its own prize pool and ticket sales. But the Bumper draw often increases overall ticket sales across the board, which means more revenue for the state. The SK-20 results aren’t altered by the upcoming BR-105 — but public excitement does. Agents report a 30–40% spike in sales the week before a bumper draw, suggesting the jackpot’s shadow extends far beyond its own ticket.
Aarav Chatterjee
I am Aarav Chatterjee, an expert in news and political analysis, with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent. I pride myself on delivering thought-provoking and insightful commentary on the latest news and events shaping Indian life. As a seasoned journalist, I have a passion for uncovering untold stories and making connections between current events and historical contexts. My writing aims to educate, inspire, and empower my readers to make informed decisions and contribute to meaningful discussions about the future of India.
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