Union Budget 2025: What is Halwa Ceremony? Know date, time, significance and more

Produced by Tarun Mishra

Budget Presentation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget on February 1, 2025, marking her eighth budget presentation and the second of the Modi government's third term.

The Halwa Ceremony

Before the Union Budget is presented, the Finance Ministry hosts the "Halwa Ceremony" approximately 9-10 days prior. This involves preparing halwa in a large kadhai in the North Block's kitchen, with the Finance Minister stirring the sweet dish.

Participants

The ceremony includes officials who have been involved in the budget preparation. Halwa is served to acknowledge their efforts before the final phase of budget compilation begins.

Significance

The ceremony signals the start of the lock-in period, where budget officials are confined to the Finance Ministry to prevent any leaks of sensitive information.

Lock-in Period

During the lock-in, officials are prohibited from using mobile phones or communicating externally, ensuring complete confidentiality of budget details until presentation.

Historical Context

The tradition gained importance after a budget leak in 1950. Since then, budget documents have been printed in the secure basement of North Block to maintain secrecy.

Budget Printing

Post-ceremony, budget documents are printed only after receiving approval from the Prime Minister, in a secure area within the North Block, continuing the tradition of confidentiality established after the 1950 incident.