Budget 2024: A look at Nirmala Sitharaman's sarees for Budget Day through the years

Budget 2024: As Nirmala Sitharaman presents her 7th consecutive budget, here's a look at her sarees for Budget Day through the years. ...read more

Share Via

Copy Link

1 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

Nirmala Sitharaman posed with a tablet in a traditional bahi khata-styled pouch, dressed in an elegant beige saree adorned with purple borders, and paired with a matching purple blouse. This look came ahead of the Union Budget 2024-25, following the tabling of the Economic Survey.

2 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

Nirmala Sitharaman's affinity for sarees is well-known. The finance minister will present her seventh budget in Parliament. She is the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budgets, surpassing Morarji Desai, who held a record of six. As Nirmala Sitharaman makes history on Tuesday, here's a look at her diverse sarees through the years. 

3 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

Nirmala Sitharaman's choice of wearing sarees for each budget session showcases her deep-rooted appreciation for Indian textiles and craftsmanship. For her first budget session, as she ditched the traditional briefcase for a traditional bahi khata in a red packet with the national emblem wrapped with a ribbon, the finance minister chose a pink Mangalgiri silk saree with gold borders. 

4 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

For Budget 2020, Nirmala Sitharaman wore a yellow silk saree with a blue border to make a symbolic statement. Yellow is considered an auspicious colour in Hindu culture. It symbolises hope and prosperity. Therefore, during the Covid pandemic, the colour conveyed optimism. 

5 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

For Budget 2021, Nirmala Sitharaman wore a Pochampally silk saree from Telangana. The handwoven saree features a distinctive Ikat design. The choice sent a message of supporting local artisans and Indian weaving communities. 

6 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

In 2022, the finance minister further promoted regional craftsmanship and art by wearing a Bomkai saree. The brown drape with maroon and gold borders is a homage to Odisha's handloom legacy. Bomkai sarees are produced in Bomkai village, Ganjam district in Odisha. 

7 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

In 2023, the finance minister wore a vibrant red silk saree. The black temple motif borders showcase the Kasuti embroidery from Karnataka's Dharwad region. 

8 / 8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Jul 23, 2024 09:40 AM IST

For 2024, Nirmala Sitharaman paired the red bahi khata with a blue tussar silk saree adorned with kantha embroidery, a craft from West Bengal. The choice to wear handloom sarees throughout the years shows the finance minister's dedication to supporting rich and traditional weaving techniques by providing them with a national stage during the budget day.