Biggest prize money in history; first prize of Onam Bumper hiked to Rs 25 crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The winner of this year's Thiruvonam Bumper will take home Rs 25 crore, the biggest first prize in the history of the Kerala lottery. The ticket sales will begin on July 18. The ticket price is Rs 500. The government has given the nod to hike the ticket price and the prize money.

The draw will be held on September 18. The agent, who sells the first prize ticket, will get a commission of Rs 2.50 crore. The ticket will be launched and printed on July 15.

This is the first time that such a high first prize has been announced on a single ticket in the country. The total prize money is Rs 126 crore. The first prize was Rs 12 crore for the last three years. The government accepted the lottery department's recommendation to increase the prize money on Tuesday.

Other prizes

• 2nd prize- 5 crores
• 3rd prize- 1 crore each to 10 people
• 4th prize- 1 lakh each to 90 people
• Consolation Prize- 5 lakhs each for 9 persons

90 lakh tickets to be printed

Last year, 54 lakh tickets were printed. This time 90 lakh tickets will be printed. 20 lakhs will be printed first. It will be reprinted as needed depending on its sales. Although Rs 126 crore has been announced as total prize money, this may vary depending on the ticket sales.