Union Budget 2024: The importance of budget in India is much more than just financial planning. It serves as a roadmap for the economic and social well-being of the country, affecting various aspects. Amidst the huge process of budget making, there is one tradition, which is widely accepted by budget makers and seen as a sweet gesture and appreciation.
Also read: Budget 2024 Income Tax: ‘Need to reduce the burden on the salaried class’, big expectations from the Finance Minister
An occasion is celebrated by the Finance Ministry, called ‘Halwa Ceremony’, which marks the beginning of the budget printing process. It is held in the North Block of the national capital in the presence of the Finance Minister and everyone who has been part of the process.
Halwa Ceremony: What is it and its significance?
For Indians, celebrations are somewhat associated with eating ‘sweets’ and the same is true for our annual account statement process and the people associated with that important task. The Halwa ceremony is a unique pre-budget tradition celebrated in India, marking the final stage of the Union Budget preparation process.
The Halwa ceremony is an annual event held a few days before the presentation of the Union Budget. The Finance Minister presides over the ceremony while stirring a large pot of halwa (a sweet semolina pudding) in the basement of the Finance Ministry.
The sweets are then distributed to the officials and staff of the ministry involved in the preparation of the budget.
Importance of Halwa Ceremony:
- Formal start of printing: The Halwa ceremony marks the beginning of the budget printing process. It is held in the North Block of the national capital in the presence of the Finance Minister and everyone who has been part of the process.
- Farewell to Officers: It serves as a symbolic farewell to the officers and staff entering the strict “lock-in” period. With the introduction of a paperless Budget in 2021, the “lock-in” period has become shorter, but the symbolic importance of the Halwa ceremony remains intact.
- Maintaining confidentiality: After the ceremony, to ensure complete confidentiality regarding the final budget document, these individuals remain confined within the ministry premises, cut off from families and outside communication.
- Sense of appreciation: This is a heartfelt thank you to all those who contributed tirelessly to the long and careful budget making process.
Halwa Ceremony Process
Every year, the government follows this annual tradition of organizing the Halwa ceremony a few days before the presentation of the budget in Parliament. As part of the ritual, halwa is prepared in a traditional ‘kadhai’ (large pan) and served to the entire staff involved in the budget making process for the country.
The Finance Minister stirs the sweets and serves them to colleagues. This dish is distributed to each staff member and the ceremony recognizes and appreciates the efforts of those who have been a part of the process.
Budget 2024: What is the ‘lock-in’ in the budget making process?
To maintain the confidentiality of the budget, there is a “lock-in” of officials involved in budget making. The Budget Press located inside the North Block houses all the officials for the period leading up to the presentation of the Union Budget. These officers and employees come in contact with their close ones only after the Union Finance Minister presents the budget in Parliament.
Halwa celebrations are more than just a sweet treat; It is an important ritual that marks the culmination of months of hard work and marks the beginning of an important phase of budget preparation while maintaining utmost secrecy.
Halwa Ceremony Budget 2023
In 2023, the traditional Halwa ceremony was held in North Block on Thursday (26 January), days before the presentation of the Union Budget.
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