Every year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's attire on Budget Day becomes a focal point of discussion, with her sarees reflecting a unique blend of tradition, elegance, and symbolism. Known for her impeccable style, she has consistently chosen sarees that carry deep cultural significance, often promoting Indian craftsmanship and heritage.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman's attire on Budget Day 2025 is a heartfelt tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Madhubani art, as she donned a saree that beautifully showcases traditional craftsmanship. The saree, a masterpiece of Madhubani painting, celebrates the intricate art form that originates from the Mithila region of Bihar.
What makes the saree even more special is its connection to Padma Shri awardee Dukari Devi, a renowned Madhubani artist. Devi, who received the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021, met with FM SItharaman during a credit outreach activity at the Mithila Art Institute in Madhubani. During their interaction, Devi presented Sitharaman will the saree. She posed gracefully with a tablet housed in a traditional 'Bahi Khata' styled pouch.
Over the years, her Budget Day sarees have ranged from simple, understated designs to ones featuring intricate weaves and patterns, each chosen with care to make a statement. From the Kanjivaram Silk sarees that radiate opulence to the Banarasi sarees showcasing timeless elegance, her wardrobe choices highlight India's rich textile traditions.
From handloom art forms to rich silk traditions, her sarees have become a key part of the Union Budget's narrative, carrying deeper meanings that reflect both the challenges and aspirations of the Indian economy.
Her sarees are often carefully selected to send a message, whether it is the colour symbolising hope, growth or the choice of handloom that supports local artisans.
Here's a look at the sarees she wore on each Budget Day:

2024 Interim Budget- A Bold Blue Silk Saree
For the 2024 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chose a striking royal blue silk saree. Blue, symbolising wisdom, stability, and confidence, and was a fitting choice for a year of significant economic transition. The saree was complemented by intricate Zari work that added a touch of luxury.

Blue also signifies depth and trust, subtly conveying the government's commitment to fiscal stability and economic resilience.
Sitharaman's choice of attire on Budget Day has often been seen as a reflection of India's economic direction, and the bold blue saree was no exception. The blend of traditional silk with contemporary design reinforced the message that India is poised for growth while staying rooted in its cultural heritage.
2024 - Sitharaman Donns Elegant Off-White Saree
On Budget Day 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stepped out in a regal off-while silk saree, exuding elegance and grace. The saree was adorned with a striking purple border, embellished with intricate golden motifs that added a touch of grandeur to her look.

The colour off-white symbolises simplicity, clarity, and new beginnings. The deep purple border, often associated with royalty, power, and wisdom, made a bold statement. The golden detailing reflected property and optimism, perfectly complementing the day's significance.
2023 - Banarasi Silk Saree With Temple Border
For the 2023 Budget, Nirmala Sitharaman showcased the grandeur of Indian handlooms by choosing a striking vermillion red Banarasi silk saree. This vibrant saree, featuring a black and gold temple border, symbolised love, commitment, and courage. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, Banarasi Silk is a hallmark of India's rich textile heritage. The saree was not just a fashion statement but also a tribute to artisans. Additionally, the handwoven 'Ilkal' saree with Navalagunda embroidery from Karnataka's Dharwad, gifted by Minister Prahlad Joshi, highlighted regional textile traditions.

2022 - A Rusty Brown Bomkai Saree
For the 2022 Union Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman kept her look simple and elegant, sporting a crisp rusty brown Bomkai saree with off-white border detailing that spread throughout the sides. The rusty brown tone of her saree was a combination of two colours, brown and red. While the brown colour is often associated with resilience, dependability, security, and safety, red signifies warmth, love and power.

2021- Pochampally Silk Saree From Telangana
Keeping her look simple for her third budget presentation, the Union Finance Minister donned a crisp red-coloured Pochampally silk saree with off-white detailing and a gold border, symbolizing tradition from Telangana's Silk City. She completed her look with a gold chain, bangles and tiny earrings.

2020 - Yellow-Gold Silk Saree
For the 2020-21 budget presentation, Sitharaman embraced a bright yellow-gold silk saree with a striking blue border, making a powerful style statement. Yellow, often associated with prosperity, energy, and optimism, was a fitting choice for a year that focused on boosting economic growth. The contrasting blue border complemented the saree's vibrancy and a matching blouse, symbolising depth, wisdom, and stability, essential attributes for economic decision-making.

With subtle golden embroidery enhancing the elegance of the saree, SItharaman once again showcased her commitment to Indian textiles while making a symbolic statement about India's economic direction.
2019 - The First Budget Day as Finance Minister
In 2019, Nirmala Sitharaman made history as the first female Finance Minister of India to present the Union Budget. During her maiden budget presentation, clad in a warm-pink-coloured Mangalgiri saree with a bold border, the Finance Minister grabbed many eyeballs. She paired her saree with a gold chain, tiny earrings, and a bindi on her forehead. Apart from making a statement with her simple and elegant saree, the Finance Minister also caught the attention by ditching the colonial tradition of bringing ledger papers in a briefcase, she carried the documents in a traditional Bahi Khata.
