Budget 2025: FM Nirmala Sitharaman to hold Halwa ceremony today, know all about 'lock-in' budget tradition
Budget 2025, halwa ceremony: As per tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lead the ceremony, with Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary and other senior officials joining at 5 pm today.
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Union Budget 2025: The Halwa ceremony, an important tradition in the Union Budget preparation process, is scheduled for Friday evening, January 24, 2025, at the North Block of the Central Secretariat.
As per tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lead the ceremony, with Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary and other senior officials joining at 5 pm today. Officers and staff directly involved in the budget preparation and compilation process will also be present to mark the occasion.
What is Halwa ceremony?
The Halwa ceremony is a time-honoured ritual performed annually before the "lock-in" process begins for the Union Budget preparation. During this phase, officials involved in the budget process are prohibited from using mobile phones or communicating externally, ensuring the utmost confidentiality of the Budget.
The ceremony involves preparing ‘halwa’, an Indian sweet dish, in a large ‘kadhai’ (wok) at the North Block. The Finance Minister, along with key officials, stirs the halwa and serves it to everyone involved in the budget-making process. This event not only marks the beginning of the budget ‘lock-in’ period but also acknowledges the hard work of the finance ministry officials in preparing the country’s annual financial plan.
Do know the significance of Halwa ceremony?
Halwa, a traditional Indian sweet, is often associated with auspicious occasions, and the Halwa Ceremony is no different. It’s a celebration and a heartfelt recognition of the hard work put in by the finance ministry team. This ritual acknowledges the collective effort involved in crafting the Union Budget, symbolising the teamwork, precision, and commitment that goes into the process.
The tradition dates back to 1980, and it takes place just before the printing of the budget documents, which happens in the basement of the North Block. During this crucial stage, no official is allowed to leave the premises until the Budget is officially presented in Parliament.
But the Halwa Ceremony is more than just a ritual. It strengthens the sense of unity among the officials, highlighting the collaborative effort required to finalise the country’s financial plans. It’s a moment that showcases the dedication, attention to detail, and hard work that define the budget-making process.
When will Budget 2025 be presented?
This year, the Budget session of Parliament will begin on January 31, and the budget will be presented on February 1. President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on January 31. Parliament will have an inter-session break from February 14, with sittings resuming on March 10.
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