Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Credit: PTI photo
With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman all set to present her ninth consecutive budget at 11 am in Lok Sabha today, all are eagerly awaiting for the government's revenue projections and fiscal policies for the FY26-27.
However, it is not only the economic outlook of the country but also Sitharaman's attire on budget day that has garners immense attention.
Colloquially terming it the 'saree diplomacy', the finance minister usually dons a saree on this important day, honouring the regional textiles and skilled artisans of the country— something which has now evolved into a tradition of sorts.
This year, Nirmala Sitharaman wore a handwoven Kanjeevaram silk saree, honouring Tamil Nadu’s age old weaving legacy. Magenta in colour, the saree features light golden brown checks and a coffee brown border with thread work.
Last year, Sitharaman chose an elegant Madhubani saree in off-white, intricately detailed with fish patterns that celebrated India's rich textile history.
This year’s Budget comes against the backdrop of intensifying global trade tensions, record drop in the value of rupee, surge in gold and silver prices, stock market volatility amid sustained outflow of foreign funds and weak private investments.