Budget sessions, Sitharaman's Sarees & fabric of Bharatiyata

A prominent member of the Modi cabinet and the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman has always been in the news for her elegant saree looks. Her impressive collection of handloom sarees and ethnic wear is inspiring. The amalgamation of subtle and class makes her collection a perfect fit for both formal and everyday attires.

Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed as the finance and corporate affairs minister and presented her maiden budget the same year. Since then her budget looks had made headlines and experts have attempted to decode her looks over the years. Keeping up with “Swadeshi” she ditched the colonial tradition of briefcase and carried the documents in the traditional “Bahi Khata” (ledger).

1) For her maiden budget in the year 2019, she opted for a warm pink colored Managalgiri Saree with gold borders and accessorized her look with a gold chain, tiny diamond studs, and a bindi. Managalgiri Sarees are produced by performing handicraft weaving in the town of Managalgiri in Andhra Pradesh. Woven from cotton the characteristic feature of this saree is a zari on the border and no woven designs on the body.

2) For the 2020 budget, Sitharaman opted for a vibrant yellow-gold Silk Saree with a blue border. Keeping her look minimalistic she accessorized it with minimal jewelry. Accompanied by her trademarked Bahi Khata. The colour yellow simbolizes confidence, prosperity and a dynamic personality.

3) Sitharaman for the 2021 budget, opted for a Red Pochampalli Saree with golden border and offwhite detailing and with ikkat work on the border and around the pallu. She accessorized her look with gold chain, bangles and minimal earrings. Pochampalli Saree are produced in the town of Bhoodan Pochampally in Telanagana State. These sarees are well-known for their intricate geometric designs. The Bahi Khata was replaced by a Tablet due to the covid risteroictions making this budget paperless.

4) For the 2022 budget, Sitharaman went for an elegant rusty brown Bomkai Saree with silver thread work on the border. The Saree was a blend of red and brown with offwhite detailing. Keeping with her minimal accessories, she completed her look with bindi and gold chain. Bomkai Saree is a type of handloom saree form Odhisha. These sarees are a blend of modern design with traditional tinge. The colours brown and red signifies, dependability, resilience, warmth, safety and security.

This year the budget will commence on January 31, when all eyes are on what the budget has in store for the economy and its various sectors, as well as the Finance Minister's look.