Well, the D day has arrived. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present the Budget 2025. She is known for her striking sarees, which make headlines every Budget Day as she presents the government’s fiscal policies. Her love for handwoven sarees not only reflects her personal style but also showcases India’s rich handloom and textile heritage on a national platform.

Madhubani magic in 2025

In 2025, the finance minister chose a white saree adorned with a colourful Madhubani motif and an intricate golden border. She paired it with a red blouse and a shawl, highlighting her appreciation for handloom crafts. Minimalist accessories, including earrings, a chain, and gold bangles, perfectly complemented her elegant look.

Madhubani, a traditional folk art from the Mithila region of Bihar, is known for its intricate floral motifs, geometric patterns, and vibrant colours that depict nature and mythology with delicate lines.

Why Madhubani print on Budget Day?

The saree worn by FM Sitharaman paid homage to the Madhubani art form and Padma awardee Dulari Devi, who has mastered this craft. Dulari Devi received the Padma Shri in 2021. The finance minister met her during a credit outreach activity at the Mithila Art Institute, where they discussed Madhubani art. Devi later gifted a saree to Sitharaman, which she wore on Budget Day.

Her sartorial choices often spark curiosity-whether they are simply personal preferences or if they signal something special, like her tribute to Bihar with the Madhubani saree. Her sarees, in shades of red, blue, yellow, brown, and off-white, reflect the diverse Indian culture and heritage, each telling its own unique story.

Memorable sarees from past budgets

In 2019, during her first budget session, FM Sitharaman adorned a red bahi khata instead of the briefcase and wore a pink Mangalgiri silk saree with gold borders.

For Budget 2020, she wore a yellow silk saree with a green-lined border. In Hindu culture, yellow symbolizes hope and prosperity, making it an auspicious choice.

In 2021, Sitharaman showcased her support for local artisans by wearing a Pochampally silk saree in red and white hues, representing the vibrant weaving communities of India.

Celebrating regional handlooms

In 2022, the finance minister donned a Bomkai saree, highlighting regional craftsmanship and artistry. This brown saree with maroon and gold borders honored the handloom legacy of Odisha. Bomkai sarees originate from Bomkai village in Odisha.

For the 2023 budget, she wore a vibrant red silk saree featuring black temple motif borders, showcasing the intricate Kasuti embroidery from Karnataka’s Dharwad region.

In 2024, FM Sitharaman chose a blue tussar silk saree with kantha embroidery, a craft widely popular in West Bengal.

Through her choice of handloom sarees, FM Sitharaman consistently demonstrates her dedication to supporting traditional weaving techniques. These sarees have become a distinctive element of Budget Day, standing alongside the fiscal policies, tax exemptions, and programs announced annually.