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8 pics of Nirmala Sitharaman's budget day sarees from 2019 to 2026: Kanchipuram saree this year to Madhubani in 2025
Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST
From her debut in 2019 to the budget 2026 presentation, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has used her platform to spotlight India’s rich handloom heritage.
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Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST
Nirmala Sitharaman sarees over the years: This year, the spotlight turned to the south, with a majestic Kanchipuram silk from Tamil Nadu taking centre stage. 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. (PTI)
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Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST
Nirmala Sitharaman's 2026 budget day saree was a stark contrast to the artistic Madhubani of 2025. Her off-white handloom silk saree, adorned with hand-painted Madhubani art, was gifted by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi; the saree featured fish motifs symbolising abundance and prosperity, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of Bihar’s Mithila region. (File Photo/ ANI)
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Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST
Earlier in 2024, Nirmala Sitharaman donned a blue tussar silk saree featuring delicate Kantha embroidery. This traditional running stitch from West Bengal added a layer of storytelling to her ensemble. (File Photo/PTI)
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Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST
Back in 2023, Nirmala Sitharaman wore a bright red silk saree with a black and gold temple border. The saree featured kasuti embroidery, a traditional form of folk embroidery found in Karnataka. (File Photo/ ANI)
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In 2022, Nirmala Sitharaman chose a rust-brown and maroon Bomkai saree from Odisha. Bomkai weaves are famous for their unique tribal motifs and intricate thread work on the border and pallu, reflecting the heritage of the Ganjam district. (File Photo/ PTI)
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Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST
A bold choice in red and off-white, Nirmala Sitharaman's Pochampally Ikat saree from 2021 featured geometric patterns typical of Bhoodan Pochampally in Telangana. The vibrant border added a modern touch to the traditional 'Silk City' weave. (File Photo/ AFP)
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Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST
Amidst the early challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2020, Nirmala Sitharaman wore a bright yellow-gold silk saree with a blue border. Yellow, associated with new beginnings and hope, was seen as a signal of economic optimism for the year ahead. (File Photo/ ANI)
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Published on Feb 01, 2026 10:56 am IST