Halwa Ceremony 2026: Finance Minister Wraps Up Budget Preparations, Union Budget to Be Unveiled on 1 February

New Delhi: Preparations for the Union Budget 2026-27 have entered their final phase. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman honored the budget team’s hard work by distributing halwa, a gesture symbolizing both dedication and the confidentiality of the budget process. The Union Budget will be presented in Parliament on 1 February 2026 and will be made accessible to the general public in both Hindi and English through the ‘Union Budget Mobile App,’ further strengthening the Digital India initiative.

Final Preparations Underway

At North Block, the budget preparations have reached their concluding stage. The traditional ‘Halwa Ceremony’ marks the beginning of the ‘lock-in’ period, during which budget officials work in seclusion to maintain confidentiality. The Finance Ministry emphasized that this year’s budget will not only present financial allocations but also exemplify discipline, teamwork, and meticulous planning behind the scenes.

Digital Access for All

Minister Sitharaman personally inspected the budget press and security arrangements at North Block, ensuring all preparations were in order. This year, the budget will significantly bolster the Digital India mission. Citizens will no longer need to sift through bulky files; all budget details will be instantly accessible via the mobile app in both Hindi and English, putting critical financial data literally in the pockets of the people.

Celebrating Team Dedication

The halwa ceremony is more than a sweet tradition—it honors the commitment, confidentiality, and discipline of the officials who have been working behind the scenes for months. As the team awaits the day of the budget presentation, their spirits are high, ready to unveil the country’s financial blueprint. The Union Budget 2026-27 promises to chart the nation’s economic direction while taking a significant step toward realizing the vision of a fully Digital India.