Budget 2025: 8 sarees, 8 stories, Nirmala Sitharaman's saree choices and what these significance

During the Union Budget announcement in 2019, Sitharaman made a statement by wearing a Pink Mangalgiri saree with a gold border. This was the first time she replaced the briefcase with a 'bahi-khata'.

In 2020, Sitharaman opted for a yellow-gold silk saree with a blue border and matching blouse. The yellow colour symbolises prosperity and during the time of pandemic, it reflected hope towards economic growth and development. The saree sent a message of hope and recovery, especially as India faced challenges from the pandemic. 

In the third budget presentation, she wore a red and off-white Pochampally sari which originates from Pochampally village in Hyderabad. She completed her look with gold chain, bangles and earrings. The 2021 budget presentation saw another changed as she replaced her traditional 'bahi-khata' with a tablet which was wrapped in red colour cloth. The saree's detailed patterns and vibrant colours reflected the government's ambitious economic plans, especially during the pandemic.

For the 2022 budget, Sitharaman wore a Bomkai saree which originated in the village of Bomkai in Ganjam district, Odisha. She opted for a simple and elegant look by sporting a rusty brown saree with an off-white border. She completed her look with a small bindi and ear ring. By wearing this saree, Sitharaman highlighted the government's dedication to supporting local artisans and preserving traditional crafts.

Temple sarees are usually made of cotton, silk or a mix and worn for special occasions. Sitharaman opted for the red temple saree with a black border and intricate golden work on Budget Day. The beautiful saree also featured a star-like design. The colour represented power and energy. 

For the interim budget, Sitharaman chose a blue coloured tussar silk saree with kantha handiwork that she teamed with an golden-hued blouse. In her hand she carried the 'bahi-khata', a tablet wrapped in a red-coloured cloth embossed with the gold-coloured national emblem. Tussar silk is renowned for its distinctive texture and golden lustre. The coarse texture of Tussar silk distinguishes it and gives it a particular character.

For the 2024 budget, Sitharaman wore an off-white Mangalagiri saree with a bright magenta border. This saree comes from Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district. It is known for its simple, elegant look, clean borders, and plain design. Her choice of attire matched the budget’s focus on Andhra Pradesh, which included funding for important projects like the Polavaram irrigation scheme, aimed at helping the state’s farming sector.

For union budget 2025, she wore an off-white handloom kasavu silk saree with fish-themed embroidery and a golden border - a tribute to Madhubani Art. She paired it with a red blouse and a shawl, showcasing her love for handloom in her sartorial choices .The saree was made by Padma awardee Dulari Devi.