THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sale of the Onam bumper lottery, with a first prize of Rs 25 crore, has reached an all-time record. Of the 60 lakh tickets printed, 59 lakh have been sold by Wednesday evening. 33 lakh tickets were sold during Onam period alone. As there is no shortage of demand, five lakh more tickets will be printed and sold. The draw is on September 18. Last year, 54 lakh tickets of Onam bumper were sold. The first prize was 12 crores then and tickets were priced at Rs 300.

Although there was concern that the increase in the ticket price this time would affect the sales, people welcomed the Onam bumper with enthusiasm. The government has received Rs 295 crores through the 59 lakh tickets sold so far. The actual revenue received by the government is after agency commission, printing charges, administrative expenses and prize money.