Watch: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Takes Part In Pre-Budget Halwa Ceremony

The traditional ‘halwa ceremony’, marking the final stage of the preparation process for interim Union Budget 2024, was held this evening at the Union Finance Ministry headquarters at North Block in Delhi. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was seen unwrapping a huge iron wok which had halwa in it and distributing it to the officials of the ministry.

A customary halwa ceremony is performed every year before the “lock-in” process of Budget preparation begins. The lock-in process is observed to maintain the secrecy of the upcoming budget and prevent any leaks before it is finally presented in the Parliament.

According to the ritual, the Indian dessert is served to all those who are directly assciated with the Bidget making process. Post the ceremony, the officials are required to stay in the Finance Ministry till the Finance Minister finally presents the Budget.

The ritual has been followed for decades and is inspired by the Indian tradition of eating something sweet before starting something important or special. It is also a gesture to acknowledge the efforts of all those involved in preparing the Budget.