New Delhi: The Union Budget 2026 is set to be presented in Parliament in a few days. In this backdrop, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has conducted the traditional Halwa Ceremony. However, many people are curious about how this ceremony became a part of India’s parliamentary system. With the intention of providing complete information to such readers, this detailed report is presented.
Halwa Ceremony Ahead of the Union Budget…
The Halwa Ceremony held prior to the presentation of the Union Budget has evolved into a distinctive and time-honoured tradition of India’s parliamentary system. Every year, a few days before the Budget is presented, the Ministry of Finance organises this ceremony at the North Block in New Delhi.
On this occasion, halwa is prepared in a large vessel and is personally served by the Union Finance Minister to officials who play a key role in the preparation of the Budget. This ceremony marks the official commencement of the Budget document printing process.
Following the Halwa Ceremony, all officials and staff involved in Budget preparation enter a “lock-in period.” Until the Budget is presented in Parliament, they are not permitted to leave the North Block. These stringent security measures are enforced to ensure that no Budget details are leaked in advance.
This tradition is believed to date back to the British era and has been followed for nearly 70 to 80 years. In Indian culture, halwa is considered a symbol of auspicious beginnings. Hence, performing the Halwa Ceremony before initiating a crucial exercise like the Union Budget one that shapes the nation’s economic future has become a long standing custom.
The ceremony is attended by the Union Finance Minister, senior officials of the Finance Ministry, employees involved in Budget printing, as well as technical and security personnel.
Even in recent times, when Budget documents are made available in digital format, the Halwa Ceremony continues as a symbol of tradition. It serves as a gesture of respect for the hard work of officials, promotes team spirit, and signifies an auspicious beginning to the Budget preparation process.