1 / 9 In a few hours, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget speech for the financial year 2025-26 in Parliament. Beyond the numbers and policies, her saree choices on Budget Day have consistently drawn public interest. Known for her preference for handloom sarees, she often opts for silk or cotton weaves, admired for their rich colours, intricate craftsmanship, and elegant textures.
Here’s a glimpse into her saree selections over the years. (Image: PTI) 2 / 9 2025 | For her eighth consecutive Budget speech, Sitharaman opted for a white kasavu saree with a golden border, adorned with an intricate Madhubani painting. She complemented it with a red blouse and a shawl, reflecting her appreciation for handloom in her fashion choices.
The saree was a gift from Dulari Devi, a Padma Shri awardee in 2021, who hails from a disadvantaged community. (Image: Reuters) 3 / 9 July 23, 2024 | For her seventh budget speech, FM Sitharaman opted for a graceful white silk saree with a magenta border. She also carried a digital tablet encased in a traditional ‘bahi-khata’ style pouch, blending heritage with modernity.
(Image: PTI) 4 / 9 February 1, 2024 | For the 2024 interim budget, the Finance Minister donned a striking blue and cream tussar saree. The elegant cream-coloured Kantha embroidery on the blue fabric reflected Sitharaman’s enduring support for Indian handwoven textiles. (Image: PTI) 5 / 9 2023 | Nirmala chose a handwoven red Ilkal saree, embellished.
