Union Budget 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offered customary ‘dahi cheeni’ by President Droupadi Murmu; know the significance

A follow-up tweet stated: “Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the Union Budget.”

What is the significance of the custom?

Even during exam times, many mothers ensure their children consume curd and sugar before heading out for their exams, wishing them success. According to astrologer Parduman Suri, the belief behind consuming curd and sugar before leaving the house is that it ensures that everything is done well, reduces mental restlessness, and helps a person stay focused and serious in their work throughout the day.

Some curd with sugar is offered (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Eating curd and sugar before starting something new or important is a deeply rooted practice in Indian culture and Vedic astrology, said astrologer Dr Virender Sahni, who specialises in Vedic astrology, Naadi astrology, numerology, and tarot reading.

“It is believed to bring good fortune, positivity, and success in any new venture. In astrological terms, curd represents the cooling and stabilising energy of the Moon, which governs emotions, peace, and clarity, while sugar symbolises Venus, the planet of harmony and prosperity. Together, they create a balancing effect, reducing nervousness and enhancing focus,” said Sahni.

Astrologer Rachit Dua, founder, The Astro GPS concurred and said that consuming curd and sugar helps activate “positive energies”.

Beyond astrology, the tradition has a practical side as well. Curd provides instant energy, aids digestion, and helps keep the body cool, making it an ideal food before high-pressure situations like exams, interviews, or major speeches. “Eating dahi-cheeni is also believed to ward off negativity and ensure smooth beginnings,” said Sahni.

“From an Ayurvedic perspective, curd has a cooling effect. Consuming a couple of teaspoons of curd mixed with sugar before a significant task can help maintain composure and reduce stress,” said Dua.

Sahni also said that to maximise the positive effects of the custom, it is recommended to consume dahi-cheeni before leaving the house, as per Muhurat (auspicious timing) considerations.

According to Suri, “only white sugar is given with curd, not jaggery or brown sugar” because the “Moon is represented by the colour white”.