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

Published on: Feb 1, 2026, 09:48:16 IST

By Sanya Panwar

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Nirmala Sitharaman saree: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman waves while posing with officials before leaving her office to present the union budget on February 1. (Reuters)

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

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

Since her first budget in 2019, Nirmala Sitharaman has used her attire to spotlight India's diverse textile map. Her choices are rarely just about fashion; they often serve as a tribute to specific regional crafts or symbolise broader economic themes like purity, resilience, and growth.

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.

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

Nirmala Sitharaman

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