Budget 2024: On Wednesday, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, took part in the customary "halwa" ceremony. It signifies the end of the planning process for the Interim Budget 2024, which the Lok Sabha will release on February 1. Sitharaman examined the arrangements during his visit to the Budget Press as part of the ceremony. She also gave the concerned officials her warmest regards, according to news agency PTI.
The Interim Budget 2024 will be distributed electronically, much as the previous three complete budgets.
So, what is 'halwa ceremony'?
In India, the "halwa ceremony" is a customary and symbolic pre-budget ceremonial. It usually happens a few days prior to the budget's presentation. The Central Secretariat's North Block in New Delhi is the location of the ceremony.
India's finance minister and other representatives from the Ministry of Finance prepare and serve "halwa," a traditional Indian sweet dessert, during the ceremony. The budget documents' printing process officially starts with the ceremony. Also Read: Industry associations want the interim budget to maintain the push on capital expenditures.
What does the 'halwa ceremony' mean?
These officials and support personnel are expected to remain in the North Block until the budget is presented in parliament following the production and distribution of halwa to every member of the staff involved in the budget-making process. The official start of the Budget's "lock-in" period begins today.
This is specifically done to protect the privacy of information pertaining to the budget and stop any leaks prior to the formal presentation.
Date and Time of the Budget for 2024
The Parliament will hear the presentation of Budget 2024, an interim budget, on February 1 at 11:00 a.m.
