Budget 2024: FM Sitharaman Takes Part In 'Halwa' Ceremony, Know It's Importance

The traditional 'halwa ceremony,' symbolizing the concluding stage of the preparation process for the interim Union Budget 2024, was conducted this evening at the Union Finance Ministry headquarters at North Block in Delhi.

A huge iron wok containing halwa was unwrapped, and it was distributed to the officials of the ministry by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Photo Credit: X/ANI

FM Sitharam Takes Part in Pre-Budget Halwa Ceremony

The stirring of the halwa before serving it to the officials was observed, not only by Sitharaman but also by Union Minister of State for Finance Dr. Bhagwat Karad during the ceremony.

A customary halwa ceremony is performed annually before the commencement of the "lock-in" process for Budget preparation. The lock-in process, aimed at maintaining the secrecy of the upcoming budget and preventing leaks, is observed by all those directly associated with the Budget-making process.

According to the ritual, the Indian dessert is served to them. Following the ceremony, officials are required to remain in the Finance Ministry until the Finance Minister ultimately presents the Budget.

The ritual, inspired by the Indian tradition of consuming something sweet before commencing something significant or special, is a gesture to acknowledge the efforts of all those involved in preparing the Budget. This practice has been followed for decades.