Union Budget 2024: What is 'halwa ceremony' and why it is important

Union Budget 2024: The 'halwa ceremony' was held in the North Block on Wednesday, signifying the initiation of document compilation for Budget 2024. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad participated in the ceremony, a precursor to the budget presentation scheduled for February 1.

What is the 'halwa ceremony'?
The 'halwa ceremony' is an annual ritual observed five days before the union budget presentation at the Parliament. It involves the preparation and serving of "halwa" to officials and staff involved in the budget's preparation. Nirmala Sitharaman has actively participated in this tradition, even being photographed stirring the dessert during its preparation.



Why is the 'halwa ceremony' important?
It is a gesture of appreciation for the individuals dedicated to the budget process, which spans months. Additionally, it marks the beginning of the "lock-in" period preceding the budget presentation, during which top officials isolate themselves within the ministry premises to maintain the confidentiality of the final budget document.

Top officials, including Finance Secretary T.V. Somanathan, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth, Secretary of Dipam Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, CBDT Chairman Nitin Kumar Gupta, and other staff involved in the budget preparation, attended the ceremony.

Union Budget Mobile App
The Budget documents will be available on the "Union Budget Mobile App" after the budget speech's completion in Parliament. The app is bilingual (English & Hindi) and will be available on both Android and iOS platforms. The App can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal (www.indiabudget.gov.in).

Union Budget 2024
This year, Union Budget 2024 will be a vote on account rather than a full budget, as general elections are scheduled for April-May 2024. As part of the ceremony, Finance Minister Sitharaman also toured the Budget Press, reviewing preparations and extending her best wishes to the officials involved.