Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s attire as she presented the record eighth consecutive Budget on Saturday perhaps had a hint of what was coming for poll-bound Bihar for which the Narendra Modi government announced a slew of projects.
The FM had draped an off-white handloom silk saree with fish-themed embroidery and a golden border, paying tribute to Madhubani art and the talented artist behind it.
According to reports, this saree was gifted to her by Padma awardee Dulari Devi, whom the Finance Minister met during her visit to the Mithila Art Institute in Bihar for a credit outreach programme. Devi had specifically requested Sitharaman to wear the saree on Budget Day.
Sitharaman’s sartorial choices have always displayed an array of handloom weaves from across the country. Here’s a look at her previous choices:
2019: She presented her first budget wearing a pink Mangalgiri silk saree with gold borders, marking a shift in approach as she also introduced the “bahi-khata” ledger wrapped in a red cloth in place of the conventional budget briefcase.
2020: She opted for a pristine yellow silk saree with a blue border, signifying optimism and stability during the pandemic.
2021: She chose red and off-white Pochampally silk saree from Telangana, with ikat motifs on the pallu, , promoting Indian weaving communities.
2022: Sitharaman was clad in a brown-plum Bomkai saree with silver thread work on the border from Odisha, showcasing regional craftsmanship.
2023: The Finance Minister wore a red and black temple border saree with Kasuti threadwork, a traditional craft from Karnataka.
2024: Blue Tussar silk saree with Kantha embroidery from West Bengal.
