Nirmala Sitharaman wore gifted Madhubani painting saree for Budget presentation; what's special about it
Union Budget 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her 8th consecutive Budget presentation in style, wearing a stunning cream-coloured saree featuring intricate Madhubani paintings. The saree, which has a golden border, was gifted to her by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi from Bihar. This gesture was not only a personal gift but also a celebration of Bihar's rich cultural heritage.
The story behind the saree dates back to two months ago when Nirmala Sitharaman attended a credit outreach programme in Madhubani, Bihar. During her visit, Dulari Devi, a renowned artist known for her Madhubani paintings, presented her with the saree. According to reports, Dulari Devi had requested Sitharaman to wear the saree during the Budget presentation, and the minister honoured this request by donning it with a half-shoulder red blouse on the big day.
It is learnt that it took Dulari Devi over a month to complete Madhubani painting on the saree. The artwork, meticulously hand-painted on Bengaluru silk, features elements quintessential to Madhubani art—fish, water, lotus, betel leaves, and fox nuts—symbols deeply rooted in the region's culture. Dulari Devi also explained that she worked on the saree during her free time after office hours.
The saree is more than just a fashion choice; it has become a symbol of Bihar’s pride and a nod to the state's famed Mithila art. The timing of this gesture is significant as Bihar is gearing up for its state elections later this year, and the saree has naturally sparked discussions about its connection to the state’s heritage.
Dulari Devi, 57-year-old artist from Ranti village in Madhubani district, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 for her remarkable contribution to the preservation and promotion of Madhubani painting. Throughout her career, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made headlines for her distinctive saree choices during budget presentations, often showcasing India’s diverse cultural and heritage fabrics. This year’s selection continues the tradition, reflecting both the country's rich textile history and the Finance Minister's personal connection to the culture of different Indian regions.
Who is Dulari Devi?
Dulari Devi's journey into the world of Madhubani art is an inspiring one. Coming from a humble background, she was introduced to the art form by her neighbour, renowned Mithila artist Mahasundari Devi. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including an early marriage and the tragic loss of her daughter, Dulari Devi persevered and eventually earned recognition for her work in the field of traditional Indian art.
Her contribution to Madhubani painting has not only brought her personal recognition but also helped in revitalising and preserving this traditional art form for future generations.
- With inputs from agencies