Decoding Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget Sarees: 2020’s Yellow Hope to 2025’s Golden Prosperity — What’s 2026's Message?

Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 at 11 am on February 1. This will be her ninth consecutive Budget presentation on the trot, marking an unprecedented feat for the Finance Minister. While all eyes will be on the government’s revenue and public spending priorities in the Budget, many people will also be curious about Sitharaman’s sarees. The Finance consistently wears and promotes handloom sarees, supporting the "Vocal for Local" initiative and artisan crafts.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s saree choices focus on diverse weaves from across the country. They often signal cultural pride or policy focus, with the colours carrying thematic weight. The choices boost rural economies, foster national unity and spark social media trends on preserving the country’s textile heritage.

In 2020, as the Sitharaman chose a yellow saree, symbolising optimism about the country’s economy. The silk saree featured blue borders. While yellow represents hope, growth and new beginnings, blue stands for peace and stability. The choice reflected the government’s promotion of strength and perseverance during tough times.

In 2019, Sitharaman wore a pink Mangalgiri silk saree with gold borders. The handloom weave from Andhra Pradesh symbolised her new approach and the gold border honoured India’s rich textile history. Sitharaman broke with tradition by using a "bahi khata" instead of a briefcase to carry the Budget papers, signalling her aim to combine modern economic policies with the country’s cultural heritage.

In 2020, as the Sitharaman chose a yellow saree, symbolising optimism about the country’s economy. The silk saree featured blue borders. While yellow represents hope, growth and new beginnings, blue stands for peace and stability. The choice reflected the government’s promotion of strength and perseverance during tough times.

For the Union Budget 2021-22, Nirmala Sitharaman decided to go with a colourful Pochampally ikat saree from Telangana, featuring a bold mix of red, off-white, and green hues. The detailed patterns and vibrant shades of the saree signalled the government's ambitious economic plans, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Sitharaman’s choice symbolised growth and renewal.

2022
A rust brown Bomkai saree with an off-white border was Sitharaman’s choice for the Budget presentation in 2022. The saree reflected the artistic heritage of Odisha’s Ganjam district with its silver zari work and intricate patterns. Sitharaman’s choice highlighted the government’s support for local artisans and preservation of traditional crafts.

2023
The colour red symbolises power and energy. Nirmala Sitharaman’s saree for the Budget presentation in 2023 reflected her confident approach for India’s economy. She wore a red silk saree with a black-and-gold temple border featuring designs like chariots, peacocks, and lotuses. The designs represented stability, strength and tradition.

2024
In 2024, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim Budget before the elections in a blue Tussar silk saree featuring Kantha embroidery from West Bengal. For the full 2024 Budget, she wore an off-white Mangalagiri saree with gold and magenta borders. The choice of the off-white saree signalled the government’s focus on Andhra Pradesh, including funding for projects like the Polavaram irrigation scheme.

Last year, Sitharaman donned an off-white handloom silk saree, gifted to her by Padma Shri artist Dulari Devi. The saree featured Madhubani fish embroidery from Bihar. The colour choices symbolised stability, bold economic reforms, financial growth and wealth creation. Linked to Mars (action) and the Sun (leadership), the red colour of her blouse signified a strong push for corporate and developmental governance.

Nirmala Sitharaman has not publicly commented on her attire or the symbolism behind her Budget Day saree choices. She often appears in Parliament sessions and official events in handloom sarees. Her overall attire choices point towards sustainable Indian textiles year-round, emphasising government initiatives for handlooms over power looms and promoting cultural heritage and rural economies.