Halwa ceremony: Budget 2024 preparations begin with iconic age-old annual ritual

Marking the traditional start of printing the Indian Union Budget documents, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday participated in the iconic age old annual "halwa ceremony." This ceremony involves distributing a sweet dish called 'halwa' to staff involved in the budget preparation process.

What is the Halwa Ceremony?

This customary ritual signifies the commencement of the budget printing process and precedes a period of seclusion for ministry officials ("lock-in") until the Budget presentation in Parliament. Sitharaman, accompanied by Finance Ministry officials, took a look at the Budget Press and reviewed preparations before sharing well wishes with the dedicated staff.

Budget access via mobile app

While the official Budget presentation is scheduled for July 23, the public can access the budget documents soon after through the official Union Budget Mobile App. Available in both English and Hindi on Android and iOS platforms, the app allows anyone, from Members of Parliament to the general public, to view the final budget documents.

What documents will be available?

The app will provide access to key budget documents including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly referred to as the Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), and the Finance Bill.

A collaborative effort

The halwa ceremony underscores the collaborative nature of budget preparation, acknowledging the dedication of ministry officials and Budget press staff who work tirelessly to ensure a smooth presentation of the Union Budget.