Nirmala Sitharaman dons elegant cream saree with Madhubani border for historic 8th budget: Here's why it is special

Updated on: Feb 1, 2025, 10:15:53 IST

By Sanya Panwar

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By wearing a saree with a Madhubani motif, Nirmala Sitharaman is not only making a fashion statement but also promoting India's rich cultural heritage and supporting the artisans who keep this traditional art form alive.

Budget 2025: Nirmala Sitharaman has once again made a style statement with her saree choice. Her Madhubani saree pays tribute to a 2021 Padma Shri awardee.

Nirmala Sitharaman, India's finance minister, made history by presenting her eighth consecutive union budget, the highest by any finance minister in independent India. And, she did it in style, donning a traditional saree. Also read | All eyes on Nirmala Sitharaman's budget

This year for Budget 2025, she opted for a beautiful cream saree featuring a traditional gold border, paired with a contrasting red blouse. Her minimalist accessories, including gold bangles, a chain, and earrings, complemented the outfit perfectly.

Nirmala adds special touch with Madhubani art

Nirmala Sitharaman's saree with a border featuring colourful Madhubani motif is a beautiful representation of India's rich cultural heritage. Madhubani art is a traditional folk art form from the Mithila region of Bihar, characterised by intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and depictions of nature and mythology. The art form is known for its vibrant colours, delicate lines, and symbolic representations.

By wearing a saree with a Madhubani motif, Nirmala is not only making a fashion statement but also promoting India's rich cultural heritage and supporting the artisans who keep this traditional art form alive.

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Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman wore her Budget 2025 saree as a tribute to Madhubani art and the skill of Padma awardee Dulari Devi, reported news agency ANI – she is a 2021 Padma Shri awardee.

When the FM visited Madhubani for a credit outreach activity at Mithila Art Institute, she met Dulari Devi and had a cordial exchange of thoughts on Madhubani art in Bihar. Dulari Devi had presented the saree and asked FM to wear it for the budget day.

Nirmala's sarees over the years on budget day

Nirmala Sitharaman's sarees on Budget Day have become highly anticipated. The minister presented the 2024 Union Budget in a blue saree with swirling floral motifs in white. She wore a cream-coloured blouse to colour-coordinate with the floral motifs in the saree.

For the 2023 budget presentation, she chose a red saree with a symmetrical black geometric pattern and golden accents. The 2022 budget saw more warm colours with a brownish, red shades. The terracotta colour palette had elephant motifs near the pallu. 2021 budget presentation saw the finance minister in a red and white saree with a mild green accent by the borders. The 2020 Budget presentation saw the brightest-colored yellow saree worn by Nirmala Sitharaman.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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