Sitharaman Joins In ‘Halwa Ceremony’, Lock-In Period Begins For Officials

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined the grand ‘halwa ceremony ahead of interim Budget 2024. In exactly a week from today, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the budget for FY 2024-25 on Feb 1, 2024. However, the upcoming budget will be an ‘interim’ one as the cenral government faces a general election in April-May 2024.

Interestingly, there is huge excitement and expectation among people and corporate firms with just 8 days left for the Interim Budget of FY 2024–25 presentation in Parliament. However, an interim budget, which is similar to a full budget, is deliberated and approved in the Lok Sabha.

Every year, the Union Finance Ministry conducts a grand ‘Halwa ceremony’, 8 to 10 days before the Union Budget is presented in Parliament. According to several years of tradition, the grand Halwa ceremony marks the beginning of the process of printing the Union Budget.

In fact, the popular Indian sweet dessert is prepared in a massive kadhai and served to the Finance Ministry staff. Every year, the Finance Minister gives the go-ahead by stirring the kadhai and serving the sweet to officials. However, it is also a gesture to recognize the efforts of all the members in preparing the Union Budget.