Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, January 27, presided over the traditional Halwa Ceremony, a significant ritual that heralds the commencement of the final and most critical phase of preparations for the Union Budget 2026–27. The budget is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on February 1, marking a pivotal moment in India's fiscal calendar.
A Time-Honored Tradition at the Budget Press
The ceremony was conducted at the Budget Press located within North Block, New Delhi, the nerve center of financial governance. This annual event is steeped in symbolism and serves as a precursor to the mandatory 'lock-in' period for all officials deeply involved in the budget-making process.
The Strict Lock-In Protocol
Following the Halwa Ceremony, officers and staff enter a phase of complete isolation to safeguard the confidentiality of the budget documents. During this lock-in period, which lasts until the budget is formally presented, officials remain confined to North Block. They are deprived of access to mobile phones and any form of external communication. This stringent measure is implemented to prevent any potential leaks and ensure the integrity of the budget announcements.
High-Level Attendance and Review
At the ceremony, Finance Minister Sitharaman was joined by the Secretaries of all departments under the Ministry of Finance, along with other senior officials integral to the budget formulation. Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, was also present, underscoring the collective effort behind the budget.
As part of the proceedings, Sitharaman toured the Budget Press facilities. She meticulously reviewed the ongoing preparations and extended her heartfelt best wishes to the entire budget team, acknowledging their dedication during this intensive period.
Digital Accessibility for Budget Documents
In a move aligning with the Digital India initiative, a finance ministry release confirmed that all Union Budget documents will be made available digitally for hassle-free access. These documents include the Annual Financial Statement (commonly referred to as the Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), and the Finance Bill.
They will be accessible on the 'Union Budget Mobile App' and the official website immediately after the completion of the Finance Minister's Budget Speech in Parliament. This digital provision aims to facilitate easy access for Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public, promoting transparency and engagement.
Understanding the Halwa Ceremony
The Halwa Ceremony is a long-standing pre-budget tradition within the Indian government. During this event, a large quantity of halwa, a traditional sweet dessert, is prepared and served to all officials and staff involved in compiling the budget. The serving of halwa symbolizes the sweetness of the hard work ahead and acts as a formal marker for the beginning of the lock-in period.
A Historic Ninth Budget Presentation
The upcoming Union Budget 2026–27 will be Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth budget presentation. This achievement sets a new record, surpassing the previous record held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented five annual budgets and one interim budget between 1959 and 1964. Sitharaman's tenure continues to be a landmark in India's fiscal history.
