The Union Budget 2024 is set to be announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23, marking the inaugural full budget of the Modi 3.0 government’s tenure. Alongside the usual debates over “what’s costlier, what’s cheaper,” there is also anticipation about Sitharaman’s choice of saree for the Budget 2024 announcement.
Known for her love of Indian handwoven textiles and crafts, Sitharaman has consistently showcased her signature style, notably wearing a blue handloom saree for the interim budget presentation during the second term of the Modi government.
Let’s take a look at the stunning sarees Sitharaman has worn on ‘Budget Day’ over the past six years:
Sitharaman selected a blue and cream saree adorned with kantha stitch for presenting the 2024 Interim Budget. This particular stitch is renowned in West Bengal.
In 2023, Sitharaman wore a traditional red temple border saree from Karnataka’s Dharwad region, hand-woven ‘Ilkal’ silk with traditional ‘Kasuti’ work.
For the 2022 Budget presentation, Sitharaman honored Odisha’s handloom by wearing a rust brown Bomkai saree. Kasuti, a traditional folk embroidery with a geographical indication (GI) tag, is unique to the Dharwad region.
Sitharaman chose an off-white Pochampally silk saree with red borders, featuring an Ikat design. Originating from Telangana, Pochampally ikat is made in Bhoodan, known as the ‘silk city of India.’
For the 2020 Budget, she opted for a yellow silk saree paired with a matching blouse. In India, yellow symbolizes prosperity and auspiciousness, making her saree a vibrant representation of the nation’s culture and wealth.
During her first Budget presentation in 2019, Sitharaman donned a bright pink Mangalgiri silk saree with golden borders. Notably, she replaced the traditional Budget briefcase with a red ‘bahi khata’ to symbolize prosperity, adorned with golden threads and a national emblem on top.
