As the Modi 3.0 government prepares to present its Union Budget for 2025 next week, the focus is also on the traditional Halwa ceremony that takes place just before the budget speech. The ceremony kicks off the 'lockdown' period for officials involved in budget preparations, ensuring the secrecy of the budget document. With the budget session beginning on January 31, the Halwa ceremony is a sweet and symbolic start to the important event.
The Halwa Ceremony: A Sweet Tradition Preceding India's Budget
In the bustling halls of India's Parliament, amidst the anticipation and rigorous preparation for the Union Budget, lies a sweet and time-honored tradition: the Halwa ceremony. This ritual marks the commencement of the "lockdown" period, ensuring the utmost secrecy surrounding the budget document.
Background:
The Halwa ceremony has its roots in the British era when the Finance Minister would personally oversee the printing of the budget in a locked warehouse. To seal the secrecy, a special halwa (sweet semolina pudding) would be prepared and distributed to officials involved in the printing process. This ensured that no one left the premises until the budget was presented.
Present-Day Ceremony:
Today, the Halwa ceremony is still a significant event in the budget-making process. It takes place a few days before the Finance Minister's budget speech and is attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Press Information Bureau. The ceremony is held in the North Block of the Central Secretariat and is presided over by the Finance Minister.
During the ceremony, a large silver pot of halwa is cooked and distributed to all present. This sweet gesture symbolizes the unity and cooperation among the officials during the crucial budget preparation period.
Significance:
FAQs:
1. When is the Halwa ceremony held? A. A few days before the Finance Minister's budget speech.
2. Who attends the Halwa ceremony? A. Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Press Information Bureau.
3. Why is the "lockdown" period imposed? A. To ensure the secrecy of the budget document.
4. What is the significance of the halwa? A. It symbolizes unity, cooperation, and the tradition of the budget-making process.
5. Was the Halwa ceremony always held in the North Block? A. No. In the past, it was held at the Finance Ministry's headquarters in Udyog Bhawan.
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