9 Budgets, 9 Sarees: When Indian tradition, along with statistics, reached Parliament; Sitharaman's outfit caught everyone's attention

News Topical, Digital Desk : As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman walked up the steps of Parliament, digital 'Bahikhata' in hand, the nation's attention was focused not just on the budget figures but also on her traditional attire.

In the last nine years, it has become a tradition to have a new saree with every budget and along with it a story of some art, culture or weaving tradition of India. For the country's Finance Minister, the saree is not just a dress but has become a message of Indian handicrafts, local economy and cultural heritage.

Speciality of the saree

Each year, her sarees bring national recognition to the weavers and artists of a particular state. In 2026, Sitharaman wore a wine-colored, handwoven Kanjeevaram kattam saree. This nearly 400-year-old weaving tradition, originating in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is characterized by its silk and golden sheen.

The "kattam," or square designs on the saree, are reminiscent of the South Indian padi kolam, considered a symbol of stability and purity. The golden-brown anchal with a dark blue and brown border gave the entire ensemble a solemn and dignified look.

A yellow sweater and a brown shawl complemented her simple yet impressive look. The saree is devoid of heavy embroidery, yet its understated and traditional charm was perfect for a budget-conscious occasion.

Wore a special sari in 2025

In 2025 , she gave national recognition to folk art by wearing a sari featuring Bihar's famous Madhubani paintings. Through this sari, designed by Padma Award-winning artist Dulari Devi, she conveyed that India's economy is rooted in its folk traditions. In 2024, the Finance Minister was seen in a white sari with a purple border.

White symbolized peace, while purple symbolized foresight. In the interim budget, blue tussar silk signaled stability. In 2023, a red sari represented energy and confidence. In 2022, the colorful Bomkai sari from Odisha honored the weaving of eastern India.

In the 2021 budget, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an off-white sari with a red border symbolized simplicity and resolve in difficult times. In the 2020 budget, a yellow silk sari brought a message of auspiciousness and positivity. This year also marked her longest budget speech. During her first budget speech in 2019, a pink silk sari symbolized balance and seriousness.

The message of ' Vocal for Local'

Whether it's Kanjeevaram, Bomkai, Madhubani, tussar silk, or Sambalpuri, each of the Finance Minister's sarees directly supports the country's weavers and cottage industries. This is why, on Budget Day, the internet media discusses not only the tax slabs but also the texture and geographical indication of her saree.

In this grand yagya of statistics, Sitharaman's sarees remind us that India's real strength lies in its traditions, artisans and local skills and perhaps this is why each of her budget looks tells a new story.

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