Halwa Ceremony Marks Final Stage of Union Budget 2025

The Halwa ceremony, a longstanding tradition, will take place on the evening of January 24 at the North Block in Delhi, marking the final stage of the Union Budget preparation ahead of its presentation on February 1, 2025. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary, will lead the event. This ritual is a crucial part of the budget process, symbolizing the transition from preparation to the "lock-in" period.

What is the Halwa Ceremony?

The Halwa ceremony is a yearly tradition that signals the conclusion of the Union Budget preparation. It occurs just before the official “lock-in” phase begins, a period when no staff or official involved in the process can leave the premises. The ceremony is typically held at North Block, the heart of India's financial decision-making.

The Ritual of Halwa

During the ceremony, a large batch of Halwa, a popular Indian sweet, is prepared in a large vessel called a 'kadhai.' The Finance Minister usually stirs the Halwa, which is then distributed to all officials, secretaries, and staff who have contributed to the budget. The dish symbolizes the end of the preparation phase and highlights the teamwork involved in drafting the budget.

Significance of the Halwa Ceremony

The ceremony holds great significance as it marks the start of the lock-in period at the finance ministry. During this time, strict confidentiality is maintained, and those working on the budget are not allowed to leave. This practice ensures that no details about the budget are leaked before it is formally presented in Parliament.

Commencement of Printing

The Halwa ceremony also marks the beginning of the printing process, which has taken place in the basement of the North Block since 1980. At this point, the final versions of the Union Budget are printed in preparation for presentation in Parliament. The ceremony signifies the moment when all details of the budget are finalized and ready for distribution.

Celebrating Team Effort

The Halwa ceremony is not just a symbolic event, but a celebration of the collective effort behind the Union Budget. For weeks leading up to the ceremony, a dedicated team works tirelessly on aspects such as financial planning, research, and documentation. The Halwa serves as a reminder of their hard work and collaboration.

Budget Session of Parliament

The Budget Session of Parliament will begin on January 31, 2025, with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to both Houses. The session will conclude on April 4, 2025. During the session, Members of Parliament will discuss the Union Budget for 2025-26, which will be presented by the Finance Minister on February 1.

Inter-session Break

In a departure from normal procedures, the Budget Session will include an inter-session break from February 14 to March 10, 2025. During this break, parliamentary activities will pause, allowing for committee work, discussions on specific budgetary matters, and other legislative tasks.