New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has consistently made symbolic fashion choices on Budget Day, using her sarees to celebrate India’s rich textile heritage. Every year, her attire highlights traditional craftsmanship, regional weaves, and handloom artistry.
Budget 2025: A Tribute to Madhubani Art
For Budget 2025, Sitharaman chose an off-white handloom silk saree featuring fish-themed embroidery and a golden border, paying tribute to Madhubani Art from Bihar. She paired it with a red blouse and draped a shawl, while carrying her signature ‘bahi-khata’—a red cloth-wrapped tablet with a golden national emblem.
A Journey Through Budget Day Sarees
2019: Mangalgiri Silk (And the Introduction of ‘Bahi-Khata’)
A pink Mangalgiri silk saree with a gold border
Marked the shift from a briefcase to the traditional ‘bahi-khata’
2020: Yellow Silk – Symbol of Prosperity
A yellow silk saree with green-lined borders
Represented hope and economic growth
2021: Pochampally Ikat from Telangana
A red and off-white Pochampally silk saree
Showcased Telangana’s famous ikat weaving tradition
2022: Bomkai Saree from Odisha
A brown and maroon Bomkai saree
Featured intricate handwoven motifs from Odisha
2023: Kasuti Embroidery from Karnataka
A red silk saree with black Kasuti embroidery
Highlighted Karnataka’s unique folk embroidery tradition
2024: Kantha and Tussar Silk from Bengal
Interim Budget: A blue Tussar silk saree with Kantha embroidery
Union Budget: A white silk saree with a magenta border and golden motifs
Fashion with a Message
Sitharaman’s saree choices reflect India’s diverse textile traditions, promoting handloom artisans and weavers while adding a cultural touch to the Budget presentation.
Stay tuned to The Pragathi News for more updates on Budget 2025 and expert analysis!
