In an extraordinary twist of fate, an 11-year-old boy becomes a millionaire in Ludhiana after convincing his uncle to buy him the last remaining lottery ticket from a busy local shop. What began as a casual visit to the market has turned into a life-changing moment for the young boy and his family.
A life-changing Diwali moment in Punjab
The boy, identified as Aarav, originally hails from Hoshiarpur, but currently lives with his maternal uncle, Karan, in the Haibowal area of Ludhiana. On the evening of October 31, Aarav accompanied his uncle to the local market, where he noticed a crowd gathered near a lottery shop. Excited by the scene, he insisted that his uncle buy him a lottery ticket.
Initially hesitant, Karan discouraged the idea, saying, “This isn’t a good habit; stay away from such games.” But Aarav’s persistence paid off — literally. Giving in to his nephew’s enthusiasm, Karan finally purchased a lottery ticket in Aarav’s name. Little did they know, it was the last ticket available at the shop.
When the results of the Punjab State Dear Diwali Bumper Lottery 2025 were announced later that evening, Aarav’s ticket number matched the winning numbers. The grand prize? ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD).
The house filled with joy and celebration
As soon as the family discovered the win, their modest Ludhiana home burst into celebration. Drums played, sweets were distributed among neighbors, and the entire locality joined in to congratulate the family.
Speaking to local media, Karan said, “It still feels like a dream. We never expected something like this to happen. Aarav kept saying we should buy a ticket, and I finally gave in. Now he’s a millionaire at just 11 years old!”
The family plans to use the money wisely for Aarav’s future education and to improve their home.
Inside the Diwali Bumper 2025 lottery
According to officials, the Punjab State Dear Diwali Bumper 2025 Lottery distributed a total prize pool worth ₹36.14 crore (over $4.3 million USD). The lottery saw the sale of 18,84,939 tickets, across multiple cities, including Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar, where several participants won smaller prizes.
The first prize, a massive ₹11 crore, was sold in Bathinda with ticket number A-438586. However, the identity of the Bathinda winner has not yet been revealed.
Aarav’s ₹1 crore win from Ludhiana has become the talk of the town, with people calling him “the luckiest boy in Punjab.”
How to claim lottery winnings in Punjab
Lottery authorities clarified that winners must claim their prize within 30 days of the results being published. Winners must submit their claim forms either in person or by post to the Directorate of Punjab State Lotteries, Yojana Bhawan, Plot No. 2B, Sector 33A, Chandigarh.
The tickets are categorized under three series — A, B, and C, ranging from 200,000 to 999,999. All claims submitted after the 30-day deadline become invalid under the Punjab State Lottery Rules, 2015.
Winners are also reminded that Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) will be applied to all prize amounts as per the government’s taxation policy.
Strict warning against online lottery scams
Officials have reiterated that online lotteries are completely banned in Punjab. The Punjab State Lottery Department neither sells nor promotes tickets through online platforms or third-party apps.
Residents are urged to buy tickets only from authorized sellers and to stay cautious of any fake online messages, calls, or emails claiming lottery winnings. Digital copies, screenshots, or photographs of tickets are not valid for claiming prizes.
The department also warned that they never request online payments or “processing fees” for releasing winnings.
In case of suspicious messages or fraud, citizens are advised to immediately report to their nearest police station.
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A rare stroke of luck
Aarav’s incredible win has captivated social media and local communities alike. Many have called it a “Diwali miracle,” while others see it as a reminder that luck can strike anyone, anytime.
Neighbors describe Aarav as a cheerful and curious child who loves school and dreams of becoming a scientist. His uncle Karan says, “He’s a bright kid. Maybe this fortune came because of his pure heart.”
While the family enjoys their newfound fame, they are equally aware of the responsibilities that come with it. The uncle plans to open a bank account for Aarav and invest most of the prize money in education and long-term savings.
The impact of state lotteries in Punjab
Punjab’s state-run lotteries have been operating for decades, providing a legal avenue for entertainment while supporting government welfare funds. The Diwali Bumper, in particular, is one of the most anticipated draws of the year, with lakhs of participants purchasing tickets in hopes of changing their destiny.
The state uses lottery proceeds to fund public welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and education projects. This legal framework ensures transparency and public accountability.
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Conclusion: 11-year-old boy becomes a millionaire in Ludhiana
The story of how an 11-year-old boy becomes a millionaire in Ludhiana has inspired countless people across India. From a simple market visit to becoming a news headline, Aarav’s story is a reminder that destiny sometimes works in mysterious ways.
As celebrations continue in Haibowal, Ludhiana, one thing is certain — this Diwali will be unforgettable for Aarav and his family, whose lives have forever changed with a single ticket and a bit of luck.
