When Vihan Khatri looked at the numbers coming out of Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, May 23, 2026, one thing was clear: someone’s life just changed forever. The Kerala State Lotteries Department announced the results for the highly anticipated Vishu Bumper draw, series number BR-109, and the headline-grabbing first prize winner held ticket number VB 135452.
The jackpot? A staggering ₹12 crore (approximately $1.44 million). But here’s the twist—it wasn’t just one person who walked away rich. Six other winners each secured ₹1 crore, and record-breaking ticket sales suggest this year’s festival lottery was a massive hit across India.
The Big Win: Who Holds the Golden Ticket?
Let’s get straight to the point. The first prize winner for the Vishu Bumper BR-109 draw is the holder of ticket VB 135452. This number was confirmed by multiple sources, including the popular YouTube channel "KERALA LOTTERY RESULTS & GUESSING," which broadcast the live draw updates. The presenter explicitly stated, “The first prize is ₹12 crore. VB 135452 is its number.”
But wait—there’s more. If you bought tickets in other series with the same numeric sequence (like VA 135452, VC 135452, etc.), you might be wondering if you won too. Here’s how it works: while only one ticket wins the grand prize, holders of matching numbers in different series are eligible for a consolation prize of ₹1 lakh. It’s a clever system designed to keep hope alive for millions of participants.
The draw itself took place around 2:00 PM IST, with official PDF results circulating shortly after 2:30 PM. For those waiting breathlessly online, the tension broke when the winning numbers were finally published on financial portals like Goodreturns.
Record-Breaking Sales and Massive Payouts
Turns out, people love a good gamble during the festive season. According to reports from Asianet News, a record 45 lakh (4.5 million) tickets were sold for this specific bumper draw. That’s not just a lot of paper—that’s serious revenue for the state government.
With each ticket priced at ₹300, the potential gross collection hits an impressive figure, though exact net revenues depend on operational costs and prize distributions. What matters to players, however, is the payout structure. The total prize pool for Vishu Bumper BR-109 stands at ₹48.59 crore, distributed across nine prize tiers plus consolation awards.
- 1st Prize: ₹12,00,00,000 (One winner)
- 2nd Prize: ₹1,00,00,000 each (Six winners)
- 3rd Prize: ₹10,00,000 each (One per series)
- 4th Prize: ₹5,00,000 each (One per series)
- Consolation Prize: ₹1,00,000 for matching numbers in non-winning series
Interestingly, six individuals claimed the second prize of ₹1 crore each. These weren’t random picks—they were carefully drawn from various districts, ensuring geographic diversity among winners. Previous years show similar patterns, such as the 2025 BR-103 draw where Palakkad emerged as a hotspot for big wins.
How to Claim Your Prize (And Avoid Scams)
If you’re holding a winning ticket, congratulations—but don’t pop the champagne yet. There’s paperwork involved. Winners must verify their numbers against official gazettes or the Directorate of Kerala State Lotteries website before proceeding.
Next step: sign the back of your ticket. Yes, literally. Then head to your nearest District Lottery Office within 30 days of the draw date. Miss that window, and sorry—you’ve lost your claim. Time waits for no lottery player.
Experts warn against sharing personal details online or responding to unsolicited messages claiming to represent lottery officials. Fraudsters thrive on excitement, so always double-check information through verified channels.
Tax Implications: What Do You Actually Take Home?
Here’s the part nobody talks about until it’s too late: taxes. Under Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, lottery winnings are taxed at a flat rate of 30%. So, if you win ₹12 crore, expect roughly ₹3.6 crore to go toward taxes immediately.
That leaves you with approximately ₹8.4 crore post-tax. Still life-changing money, sure—but far less than the advertised jackpot. Financial advisors recommend consulting a tax professional before making major purchases or investments with windfall gains.
A Tradition Rooted in Culture and Commerce
The Vishu Bumper isn’t just another lottery; it’s tied to Kerala’s spring festival, Vishu, celebrated annually in April-May. Historically, these bumper draws have been major events, drawing participants from across South India and beyond. In 2025, the BR-103 draw saw similar enthusiasm, with ticket VD 204266 taking home the top prize.
Why does this matter? Because lotteries like these serve dual purposes: they generate significant state revenue while offering ordinary citizens a chance at extraordinary wealth. For many families, buying a ₹300 ticket feels like purchasing hope—a small investment in possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the ₹12 crore jackpot in Kerala Vishu Bumper BR-109?
The first prize winner holds ticket number VB 135452. While the individual's identity remains private unless disclosed voluntarily, the winning number was officially announced during the live draw on May 23, 2026.
How many people won ₹1 crore in this draw?
Six individuals won the second prize of ₹1 crore each. Their tickets came from different series, reflecting the structured distribution model used by the Kerala State Lotteries Department.
What happens if I have a matching number in a different series?
If your ticket matches the winning number but belongs to a different series (e.g., VA instead of VB), you qualify for a consolation prize of ₹1 lakh. This rule applies to all non-winning series with identical numeric sequences.
When do winners need to claim their prizes?
Winners must visit their local District Lottery Office or the Directorate of Kerala State Lotteries within 30 days of the draw date. Failure to do so results in forfeiture of the prize amount.
Is there tax deducted from lottery winnings in India?
Yes, under Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, lottery winnings are subject to a flat 30% tax. No deductions apply, meaning winners pay directly from the gross prize amount.
