New Delhi, January 24, 2025 – The traditional Halwa Ceremony, marking the final stage of Union Budget 2025 preparations, will take place today at 5 PM in the North Block, the Finance Ministry’s headquarters. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lead the event, which also signals the beginning of the lock-in period for officials involved in budget-making.
What Is the Halwa Ceremony?
The Halwa Ceremony is a significant tradition held 8–10 days before the budget session, symbolizing the start of budget printing. During the event, halwa is prepared in a large kadhai, stirred by the Finance Minister, and shared with officials to acknowledge their hard work. It also signifies the transition into the critical phase of budget preparations.
Lock-in Period and Secrecy
After the ceremony, budget officials are confined to the North Block under strict security measures, including surveillance and restricted communication, until the budget is presented on January 31. This ensures absolute confidentiality, a practice rooted in history after a budget leak in 1950.
Shift to Digital Process
Since 2020, the Union Budget has gone digital, replacing most physical documents with online access. This change has streamlined operations and reduced the lock-in period to eight days.
The Halwa Ceremony continues to blend tradition with discipline, setting the stage for the government’s financial roadmap for the coming year. All eyes now turn to January 31, when the Union Budget 2025 will be unveiled.