Union Budget 2024: The importance of the Budget in India goes beyond mere financial planning. It serves as a roadmap for the nation’s economic and social well-being, influencing a diverse range of aspects. Amid the mammoth process of creating the Budget, there is a tradition, that is widely acknowledged by the Budget-makers and observed as a sweet gesture and appreciation.
Also Read: Budget 2024 Income Tax: ‘Burden On Salaried Class Needs Reduction’, High Hopes From FM
There is an occasion observed by the Ministry of Finance, called the ‘Halwa ceremony’, which marks the commencement of the Budget printing process. It is held in North Block in the national capital in the presence of the Finance Minister and all those who are part of the process.
Budget 2024 Halwa Ceremony
The Halwa ceremony for the interim Union Budget 2024, was held in North Block, on January 25, in the presence of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad.
Halwa Ceremony: What It Is And Its Significance?
For Indians, celebration has some form of association with eating something ‘mitha’ (sweet) and this goes true for our annual account statement process as well and the people associated with that crucial task. The Halwa ceremony is a unique pre-budget tradition observed in India, marking the final stage of the Union Budget preparation process.
The Halwa Ceremony is an annual event held a few days before the presentation of the Union Budget. The Finance Minister presides over the ceremony, stirring a large pot of Halwa (a sweet semolina pudding) in the Finance Ministry’s basement.
The sweet is then distributed to Ministry officials and staff involved in the Budget preparation.
Significance of the Halwa Ceremony:
- Formally initiates printing: The Halwa ceremony marks the commencement of the Budget printing process. It is held in North Block in the national capital in the presence of the Finance Minister and all those who are part of the process.
- Send-off for officials: It serves as a symbolic send-off for officials and staff entering a strict “lock-in” period. With the introduction of a paperless Budget in 2021, the “lock-in” period has become shorter, but the symbolic importance of the Halwa Ceremony remains intact.
- Maintaining confidentiality: After the ceremony, these individuals remain confined within the Ministry premises, cut off from families and outside communication, to ensure absolute secrecy about the final Budget document.
- The gesture of appreciation: It’s a sweet thank-you to everyone who contributed tirelessly to the long and meticulous Budget-making process.
Halwa Ceremony Process
Every year, the government follows this annual tradition of organising a Halwa ceremony, days before the Budget is presented in the Parliament. As part of the ritual, Halwa is prepared in a traditional ‘kadhai’ (large cauldron) and served to the entire staff involved in the Budget making exercise for the country.
The Finance Minister stirs the dessert and serves it to colleagues. The dish is distributed to every staff member and the ceremony recognises and lauds the efforts of those who have been a part of the process.
Budget 2024: What is ‘lock-in’ in the Budget making process?
To maintain the secrecy of the Budget, there is a “lock-in” of the officials involved in making the Budget. Budget Press, situated inside North Block, houses all officials in the period leading up to the presentation of the Union Budget. These officers and staff come in contact with their near and dear ones only after the Budget is presented by the Union Finance Minister in Parliament.
The Halwa Ceremony is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a significant ritual marking the culmination of months of hard work and ushering in a crucial phase of Budget preparation, all while upholding the utmost secrecy.
Halwa Ceremony Budget 2023
In 2023, days before the presentation of the Union Budget, the traditional Halwa ceremony was held on Thursday (January 26) in the North Block.
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