New Delhi, January 27: On Tuesday, the traditional Halwa ceremony took place at the Budget Press in North Block, signaling the commencement of the final stage in the preparation of the Union Budget for 2026-27. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, attended the ceremony.

The Halwa ceremony marks the beginning of the "lock-in" period for officials involved in the drafting of the Union Budget. During this time, these officials, drawn from various departments of the Ministry of Finance, will remain secluded within North Block until the Budget is presented in Parliament, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.

The Union Budget for 2026-27 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Finance Minister Reviews Preparations

As part of the ceremony, Sitharaman was accompanied by senior officers and secretaries from various departments of the Ministry of Finance. She also visited the Budget Press to oversee the printing and logistical arrangements and conveyed her best wishes to the entire team responsible for preparing the Budget.

The Halwa ceremony gets its name from the Indian sweet traditionally served to officials as a symbolic gesture of gratitude after months of rigorous Budget preparation.

Union Budget Documents to Be Available Digitally

In line with previous years, all Union Budget documents—including the Annual Financial Statement, Demand for Grants, and the Finance Bill—will be accessible through the Union Budget Mobile App for easy access by the public and stakeholders.