Union Budget 2026: Nirmala Sitharaman’s sarees over the years

Since 2019, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has turned Budget Day into a platform for showcasing India’s rich textile heritage through her saree choices. Each year’s look highlights a different handloom or regional craft, making her wardrobe an evolving cultural narrative alongside economic policy. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2026: Purple Kanchipuram Silk Saree: For 2026, she wore a magenta purple Kanchipuram silk saree with light golden brown checks and a coffee-brown border. This handwoven Kancheevaram choice honoured the famed weaving heritage of Tamil Nadu while maintaining her signature blend of tradition and dignity. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2025: Off-White Handloom with Madhubani Art: At the 2025 Budget, Sitharaman draped an off-white handloom silk saree adorned with Madhubani artwork and a golden border. The piece, gifted by a Padma Shri artist, celebrated the traditional folk art of Bihar. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2024 Interim Budget: Blue Tussar Silk: During the interim Budget of 2024, her attire was a blue tussar silk saree with kantha embroidery, emphasising textured handloom weave and artisanal stitching. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2023: Temple Border Saree: For 2023, Sitharaman chose a red saree with a classic temple border in black and gold, featuring intricate Kasuti threadwork. This look paid tribute to traditional craftsmanship in South India. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2022: Bomkai Saree: At the 2022 Budget, she wore a rust brown Bomkai saree with off-white border detailing from Odisha. The earthy tones and craftsmanship showcased another distinct regional weave. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2021: Pochampally Saree: In 2021, Sitharaman donned a red and off-white Pochampally saree featuring traditional ikat patterns and a green border. This choice spotlighted the renowned Telangana handloom tradition on the national stage. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2020: Yellow-Gold Silk Saree: At the 2020 Budget, she chose a bright yellow-gold silk saree paired with a blue border. The vivid colour brought a hopeful, optimistic note to proceedings amid economic challenges. (Source: Photo by express photo web )

2019: Pink Mangalgiri Saree: For her first Union Budget presentation in 2019, Sitharaman wore a pink Mangalgiri saree with a gold border. This simple yet elegant handloom choice came with her historic switch from the traditional budget briefcase to a red bahi-khata (ledger), blending tradition with symbolism. (Source: Photo by express photo web )