Nirmala Sitharaman opts for traditional Kanjivaram saree: A subtle Tamil Nadu outreach
This year followed the same pattern, with the Finance Minister opting for a maroon kattam Kanjeevaram featuring golden-brown checks and a coffee-brown, intricately worked border.
PTC News Desk: Ahead of presenting a record ninth consecutive Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Kartavya Bhawan clad in a finely handwoven maroon Kanjeevaram saree, a nod to the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, her home state. The choice carries added resonance as Tamil Nadu heads to assembly elections later this year, where the BJP is aiming to form its first government in the southern state. Over time, Sitharaman’s Budget-day sarees have become a subtle cultural and political statement, weaving heritage with symbolism.
This year followed the same pattern, with the Finance Minister opting for a maroon kattam Kanjeevaram featuring golden-brown checks and a coffee-brown, intricately worked border.
Kanjeevaram sarees, traditionally crafted in Tamil Nadu, were awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005. The selection reinforces Sitharaman’s understated promotion of India’s diverse handloom traditions, which has previously highlighted styles such as Mangalgiri, Ikat, Bomkai, Kantha and Madhubani.
Last year, she wore an off-white handloom silk saree adorned with Madhubani art from Bihar—a state that went to the polls in November. That saree was gifted to her by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi.
In 2024, while presenting the full Budget after the NDA’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Sitharaman chose a Mangalgiri saree with a striking magenta border, showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s cotton handloom and zari craftsmanship. That year, the BJP fell short of a standalone majority and relied on allies Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) to form the government, while also being part of the coalition that won the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections.
The Union Budget is being presented against the backdrop of mounting global trade tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump, pressure on the rupee, and uneven domestic demand.
Meanwhile, the Economic Survey tabled on January 29 struck an upbeat tone, projecting India’s GDP growth at 6.8–7.2 per cent in the next financial year.