Halwa Ceremony Marks Prelude to Union Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Initiates Traditional Ritual

 The traditional "halwa ceremony," which marks the conclusive phase of preparations for the interim Union Budget 2024, took last evening at the Union Finance Ministry headquarters in North Block, Delhi. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was observed unwrapping a sizable iron wok containing halwa and distributing it among the ministry officials.

Ms. Sitharaman actively participated by stirring the halwa before serving it to the officials. Alongside her, Union Minister of State for Finance Dr. Bhagwat Karad also attended the ceremony.

This customary halwa ceremony is an annual prelude to the "lock-in" phase of Budget preparation. The lock-in process is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality of the upcoming budget and preventing any premature leaks before its formal presentation in Parliament.

In adherence to the ritual, the traditional Indian dessert is shared with all individuals directly involved in the budget-making process. Following the ceremony, these officials are required to remain in the Finance Ministry until the Finance Minister formally presents the Budget.

This ritual, rooted in the Indian tradition of consuming something sweet before embarking on an important or special endeavor, serves as a symbolic gesture to appreciate the contributions of those engaged in the Budget preparation.

Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the interim budget on February 1, a budget that typically addresses the fiscal requirements during the interim period until a new government is formed after the Lok Sabha polls.