Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s signature Budget day sarees through years

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As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gets ready to present her ninth Union Budget in 2026, all eyes are on not just the numbers, but also her distinctive style. Over the years, her Budget Day sarees have become a signature tradition, carefully chosen to showcase India’s handloom heritage while reflecting grace, confidence and cultural pride. From her first appearance in 2019 to her most recent in 2025, each saree tells a story of tradition blending with leadership.

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Budget 2025: For the 2025 Budget, Sitharaman wore an off-white Madhubani saree featuring fish motifs, gifted by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi. The motifs symbolised prosperity and good fortune, while the saree highlighted her cultural pride and support for traditional artisans.

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Budget 2024: Her 2024 choice was a blue Tussar silk saree adorned with Kantha embroidery from West Bengal. The ensemble showcased the region’s textile legacy and fine craftsmanship, continuing her tradition of promoting diverse handloom art forms.

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Budget 2023: In 2023, she wore a red silk saree with a black temple border and gold zari work, representing Karnataka’s famous Ilkal weave. Combined with Kasuti embroidery, the saree symbolised strength, tradition and cultural pride.

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Budget 2022: Her 2022 choice was a rust-toned Bomkai saree from Odisha’s Ganjam district. This attire highlighted traditional weaving techniques and sent a clear message of support for local artisans and age-old craftsmanship.

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Budget 2021: During the pandemic recovery phase, Sitharaman wore a red and off-white Pochampally Ikkat silk saree from Telangana. The geometric patterns and vibrant colors celebrated resilience and optimism, while shining a light on India’s handloom artistry.

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Budget 2020: In 2020, she chose a bright yellow silk saree with a green border. The yellow represented optimism and growth, while green symbolised peace and stability, echoing the Budget’s focus on economic strengthening.

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Budget 2019: For her first Budget, Sitharaman wore a bright pink Mangalgiri saree with a golden border. Carrying a traditional red bahi khata instead of a briefcase, she made a bold statement combining heritage and symbolism. The vibrant pink reflected hope and positivity, marking the start of a new chapter.