Punjab Lottery Winner Harpinder Singh Claims Rs 10 Crore Prize After Buying Rs 500 Ticket

When Harpinder Singh, a 38-year-old truck driver from Barwa village in Ropar district, walked into a small ticket stall in Nurpur Bedi on January 10, 2025, he didn’t expect his Rs 500 purchase to change his life forever. Just eight days later, the Punjab State Lohri Makar Sankranti Bumper Lottery 2025Chandigarh draw confirmed it: he’d won the Rs 10 crore grand prize — the largest payout in the history of the Punjab State Lottery Department.

From Kuwait to a Village Win

Harpinder Singh’s story isn’t just about luck. It’s about resilience. After working as a truck driver in Kuwait for nearly a decade, he returned to his native Barwa village in 2023, seeking stability. His monthly income? Around Rs 45,000 — enough to get by, but not enough to dream big. He bought lottery tickets occasionally, mostly as a habit. "I never thought I’d win," he told reporters outside the Punjab State Lottery office on January 20. "I just thought, why not? It’s a rupee or two for hope." The ticket, numbered 784269, was printed on January 10 at the authorized stall near the bus stand in Nurpur Bedi. When the results went live at 6:07 PM on January 18, his sister, who had been watching the live stream on her phone, screamed so loud their neighbor called the police. "We thought it was a prank," she said. "Then we checked the number three times."

How the Lottery Worked — And Who Else Won

The Punjab State Lohri Makar Sankranti Bumper Lottery 2025Chandigarh wasn’t just a one-winner event. It was a statewide spectacle. Officials confirmed that 4 million tickets were sold across Punjab’s 23 districts, generating an estimated Rs 200 crore in revenue for the state — a figure that’s remained steady since 2018. The prize structure was meticulously designed:

• First prize: Rs 10,00,00,000 (1 winner — Harpinder Singh)
• Second prize: Rs 1,00,00,000 (1 winner)
• Third prize: Rs 50,00,000 (5 winners — tickets ending in 039268, 330693, 428621, 500555, 921038)
• Fourth prize: Rs 10,00,000 (10 winners)
• Fifth prize: Rs 5,00,000 (5 winners)
• Sixth prize: Rs 9,000 (8 winners)
• Seventh prize: Rs 5,000 (8 winners)
• Eighth prize: Rs 3,000 (8 winners)
• Ninth prize: Rs 1,000 (64,000 winners)

Total prize pool: Rs 23.48 crore. That’s nearly 12% of the total ticket sales — a rate higher than most state lotteries in India.

Transparency Under Scrutiny

The draw was conducted under strict oversight. Representatives from the Finance Department, Government of Punjab were present, alongside independent auditors. The entire process was recorded and streamed live on the official website, punjabstatelotteries.gov.in. "We’ve had zero fraud claims since 2017," said a spokesperson. "Every ticket is digitally encrypted, and the draw machine is sealed in front of witnesses." The winning ticket was verified within 48 hours. Singh presented his original printout, a copy of his Aadhaar card, and his bank details — all matching the registration records. "The system doesn’t lie," said Deputy Director Rajiv Kaur, who oversaw the validation. "We’ve seen people try to fake tickets. This one? Perfect. No smudges, no tears. Just pure luck."

Why This Matters Beyond One Winner

This isn’t just about Harpinder Singh. It’s about what the lottery does for Punjab’s public finances. Since 1967, bumper lotteries tied to Lohri and Makar Sankranti have raised over Rs 3,800 crore for the state. That money funds rural health centers, school infrastructure, and unemployment relief programs — especially in districts like Ropar, where youth migration has been high. "The lottery isn’t gambling for the state — it’s a social contract," said Dr. Simran Kaur, an economist at Punjab University. "People buy tickets knowing their money helps schools in their own villages. That’s why sales spike in winter — it’s tied to community pride." In 2024, over 68% of lottery revenue went to welfare schemes. The Punjab State Lottery Department doesn’t advertise heavily — but word spreads fast. In Amritsar, ticket sales jumped 22% this year. In Ludhiana, shops sold out within hours of the tickets going on sale.

What’s Next? The 2026 Lottery

The next draw — the Punjab State Lohri Makar Sankranti Bumper Lottery 2026Chandigarh — is already scheduled for January 17, 2026. Tickets will again cost Rs 500. Officials say the prize structure will remain unchanged, but they’re exploring digital ticketing via a new app, set to launch by October 2025. "We’re not replacing paper tickets," said Director Baljinder Singh. "We’re adding a layer of convenience. Elderly folks still prefer the stall. We respect that." For now, Harpinder Singh is keeping a low profile. He’s paid off his brother’s medical debt, bought a used Maruti Swift, and plans to start a small transport business in Ropar. "I won’t quit driving," he said. "But now, I’ll drive with peace."

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