Last updated: Feb 01, 2023, 9:14 AM IST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dons a red sari ahead of the presentation of the 2023 Union budget. (Photo: ANI)
Every year since taking charge in 2019, the finance minister has donned key handwoven sarees for making statements at the presentation of the Union’s budget
While all eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will present the Union’s budget for 2023 on Wednesday, many have been looking forward to the minister’s signature this year. This year, the Minister of Finance opted for a gorgeous red saree with a brown border. Every year since taking charge in 2019, the finance minister has donned important hand-woven sarees to present the Union’s budget.
Sitharaman is known for her love of Indian textiles and has always been outspoken about promoting handwoven sarees. In 2019, she expressed her love for Indian textiles and had also tweeted, “Silk or cotton, Orissa handwoven sarees are one of my favourites: the color, the weave, the texture, just so good. (sic).”
A look at her sartorial choices over the years:
Rest Bomkai Saree, Union Budget 2022
At the presentation of the budget in 2022, the Minister of Finance wore a rust brown and maroon hand-woven Bomkai fabric with silver wire in the border. The Bomkai is typically made in Odisha. Observers said the earthy color and design emphasized the minister’s simplicity and groundedness.
Red and off-white Pochampally, Union budget 2021
In 2021, Sitharaman wore a red and off-white silk Pochampally saree with ikat patterns around the pallu, with a green border. This was paired with a matching red blouse. Pochampally ikat is traditionally made in Bhoodan Pochampally, in Telangana, and is popularly known as the “silk city of India”, according to Indian Express.
Gold side with blue border, Union budget 2020
The finance minister opted for a crisp yellow gold silk sari with a blue border and a matching blouse. The bright color, signifying prosperity and abundance, and the understated, noble dress style matched the year’s theme of ‘Aspirational India’.
Pink Mangalgiri, Union Budget 2019
In her debut, Sitharaman made a statement with a bright pink mangalgiri silk saree with a gold border. She also ended the tradition and opted for a traditional ‘bahi khata’ to pack the budget papers, instead of a briefcase.
The budget papers were wrapped in red silk with the national emblem printed on them.
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