Nirmala Sitharaman honours south Indian heritage in simple maroon silk saree for union budget 2026 speech in Parliament

Nirmala Sitharaman saree: The finance minister chose a maroon Kanchipuram saree with coffee brown border. Take a closer look at what she wore.

Nirmala Sitharaman saree: As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stepped out to present union budget 2026, all eyes were on more than just the digital Bahi-Khata. Marking a historic milestone as the first Indian finance minister to present nine consecutive budgets, Nirmala continued her tradition of 'saree diplomacy', choosing a garment that weaves together national heritage and economic vision.

Nirmala Sitharaman's saree for budget 2026

As she entered Parliament with the Bahi-Khata wrapped in its signature red silk cover, Nirmala Sitharaman's saree served as a colourful prelude to a budget expected to focus on 'Reform Express' and long-term economic roadmaps.

For her ninth budget, the finance minister chose a deep magenta-maroon Kanchipuram silk saree. Featuring traditional kattam (checks) in mustard yellow and a coffee-brown border with intricate thread work, the choice was widely seen as a tribute to Tamil Nadu’s centuries-old weaving excellence. She paired the lustrous saree with a contrasting yellow blouse, adding a touch of brightness to the simple traditional ensemble.

Take a closer look:

A legacy in silk and cotton

By choosing weaves from different states, she has provided a national platform to local weavers – from wearing a cream Madhubani silk saree as a tribute to Bihar's Mithila art to her blue tussar silk saree with intricate Kantha handiwork in 2024, and her red temple border saree in 2023, or the red and off-white pochampally saree from Telangana.