Union Budget 2026: FM NirmalaSitharaman exuded elegance in a simple silk saree

At the Union Budget 2026, for her speech in Parliament, she embraced South Indian heritage, choosing a maroon Kanchipuramsaree.

On February 1, while presenting the Union Budget 2026 in the Parliament, Finance Minister NirmalaSitharamanexuded elegance and grace even in a simple silk saree. The honourable minister honoured South Indian heritage by wearing a maroon Kanchipuramsaree for her speech in the Parliament.

The Finance Minister chose a Kanchipuramsaree for her speech in Parliament.

The Finance Minister, NirmalaSitharaman, stepped out to present the Union Budget 2026, and all eyes were on more than just the digital Bahi-Khata. She marked a historic milestone as the first Indian Finance Minister to present nine consecutive budgets and continued her tradition of ‘saree diplomacy’, choosing a garment that weaves together national heritage and economic vision. She entered the Parliament with the Bahi-Khata wrapped in its signature red silk cover. However, her saree served as a colourful prelude to a budget expected to focus on ‘Reform Express’ and long-term economic roadmaps.

More on NirmalaSitharaman’s silk saree look.

The honourable minister in her ninth budget 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 saree with a contrasting yellow blouse, adding a touch of brightness to the simple traditional ensemble. Since her first budget, NirmalaSitharaman has used her attire to spotlight India’s diverse textile map. Her choices have rarely been just about fashion and have often served as a tribute to specific regional crafts or symbolise broader economic themes like purity, resilience, and growth.

She has often chosen weaves from different states and provided a national platform to local weavers, whether it is wearing a cream Madhubani silk sareeas a tribute to Bihar’s Mithila art, a blue tussar silk saree with intricate Kantha handiwork in 2024, or her red temple border saree in 2023, or the red and off-white pochampallysaree from Telangana.