On Sunday, January 25, 2026, anticipation and excitement ran high across India as two of the country’s most popular state lotteries—the Kerala Samrudhi SM-39 and the Nagaland State Lottery’s Dear Yamuna—announced their latest results, offering life-changing sums to lucky ticket holders. The draws, held in Thiruvananthapuram and Nagaland respectively, underscored the enduring allure and complexity of government-run lotteries in India, where dreams of sudden fortune coexist with strict regulations and a dash of skepticism.
According to Mathrubhumi, the Kerala State Lottery Department revealed the Samrudhi SM-39 results at precisely 3 pm. The venue was Gorky Bhavan, not far from the bustling Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The first prize—a whopping ₹1 crore—was claimed by ticket number MM 428525, setting off celebrations for one fortunate individual. The lottery’s second prize, a substantial ₹25 lakh, went to ticket ML 358590, while the third prize of ₹5 lakh was awarded to MJ 684267. But the excitement didn’t stop there. Consolation prizes of ₹5,000 were distributed to a series of tickets matching the last digits of the grand winner, and additional prizes ranged from ₹5,000 all the way down to ₹100, ensuring that hundreds of participants had something to cheer about.
Ensuring the integrity of the process, neutral judges were appointed to supervise every stage of the Kerala draw. They meticulously monitored proceedings and scrutinized the results, a move designed to “rule out any irregularities,” as Mathrubhumi reported. Such oversight is crucial in maintaining public trust, especially given the stakes and the volume of participants—lotteries in Kerala are not just a pastime but a significant source of government revenue and, for many, a flicker of hope in daily life.
The Samrudhi SM-39 draw’s prize structure was as follows: the first prize at ₹1 crore, a second prize of ₹25 lakh, third prize at ₹5 lakh, and a series of descending prizes—₹5,000 for the fourth, ₹2,000 for the fifth, ₹1,000 for the sixth, ₹500 for the seventh, ₹200 for the eighth, and ₹100 for the ninth. Consolation prizes of ₹5,000 were also awarded to tickets with certain series and numbers. For those eager to check their luck, the official Kerala State Lotteries website provided an accessible way to view results and download a PDF copy for future reference.
Claiming a prize, however, is no simple matter. Winners must submit their claims within 30 days of the draw, presenting the original ticket—signed on both sides—along with a passport-size photograph attested by a Gazetted Officer, a self-attested PAN card copy, and valid ID and address proof such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration Card, or PAN. A completed claim form with a revenue stamp is also required. The process varies depending on the prize amount: winnings up to ₹5,000 can be claimed through authorized agents, while larger prizes must be processed at district offices or, for sums above ₹1 lakh, directly with the Directorate of State Lotteries.
There’s another layer to the windfall: taxation. As outlined by Mathrubhumi, any lottery winnings above ₹10,000 are subject to a 30% income tax deduction. In addition, a 10% commission is paid to the lottery agent responsible for selling the winning ticket. This commission structure incentivizes widespread ticket distribution and supports the network of agents across the state. Winners must also provide all relevant documentation to ensure their claims are processed smoothly and legally.
Meanwhile, in Nagaland, the excitement began even earlier in the day. As reported by Zee News, the Nagaland State Lottery held three draws on January 25: the Dear Yamuna Morning at 1 pm, the Dear Vixen Evening at 6 pm, and the Dear Toucan Night at 8 pm. Each draw dangled a staggering ₹1 crore as the first prize, making Sunday a potentially transformative day for multiple ticket holders. The prize structure in Nagaland differed slightly from Kerala’s: after the top prize, the second prize stood at ₹9,000, the third at ₹450, the fourth at ₹250, the fifth at ₹120, and a consolation prize of ₹1,000 for select tickets.
Lottery Sambad, as the Nagaland draws are popularly known, is a daily ritual for many. The draws occur three times each day—at 1 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm—and are among the most widely followed in India. According to Zee News, the results for all three draws on January 25 were set to be announced live, with thousands eagerly awaiting updates. The legal status of lotteries in India is a patchwork, with only 13 states—including Nagaland, Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and a handful of others—allowing government-run lotteries. In these states, the lottery is not just a game of chance but a significant economic activity, providing employment, government revenue, and, for a lucky few, a sudden leap in fortune.
The process in Nagaland is straightforward: after the draws, the results are published online and in newspapers, and winners must follow a structured claims process similar to that in Kerala. With the top prize at ₹1 crore, even the second and third prizes can make a meaningful difference in winners’ lives.
Despite the excitement, both Mathrubhumi and Zee News include reminders about the risks of lottery participation. Mathrubhumi notes, “Lottery participation can be addictive. Please play responsibly. This article is for information only. Mathrubhumi does not promote lotteries and is not responsible for any claims.” These disclaimers are a nod to the broader debate around lotteries in India, where critics point to the potential for addiction and financial hardship, while proponents highlight the transparency of state-run systems and the funds they generate for public welfare.
For those who do win, the journey from ticket purchase to prize claim is a blend of euphoria and bureaucracy. The requirement for original tickets, multiple forms of identification, and strict adherence to deadlines is designed to prevent fraud and ensure that only rightful winners receive their rewards. The oversight by neutral judges in Kerala and the public, transparent nature of the Nagaland draws further bolster confidence in the system.
In the end, the draws on January 25, 2026, were a microcosm of the Indian lottery phenomenon—a blend of hope, regulation, and a touch of spectacle. For the holders of tickets MM 428525 in Kerala and the yet-to-be-announced winners in Nagaland, the day brought not just financial windfalls but a story to tell for years to come. For everyone else, there’s always the next draw—and the enduring dream that, just maybe, their number will come up next time.