Halwa Ceremony Marks Final Phase of Preparations for Union Budget 2026–27

As winter settles over New Delhi and the national capital prepares for another decisive moment in India’s economic calendar, a quiet but deeply symbolic ritual once again set the wheels of policymaking firmly in motion. On Monday, the traditional Halwa Ceremony—a time-honoured custom preceding the Union Budget—was held at the Budget Press in North Block, formally marking the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the Union Budget 2026–27.

Steeped in tradition yet closely watched for what it represents, the ceremony signals that the Budget has entered its most confidential and critical stage. From this point onward, the focus shifts from deliberation to execution—where numbers are finalised, documents are printed, and secrecy becomes paramount.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. Senior officials from across the Ministry of Finance, including Secretaries of key departments and officers closely involved in the Budget-making process, were also present—underscoring the collective effort that goes into shaping India’s annual financial roadmap.

Halwa Ceremony Ahead of Budget 2026

The Halwa Ceremony is more than a ceremonial sweet-sharing—it represents a line in the sand. Once the halwa is served, officials involved in the preparation and printing of Budget documents enter the customary “lock-in” period. During this phase, they remain secluded within the North Block complex, completely cut off from the outside world, until the Budget is presented in Parliament.

This lock-in is a critical part of the process, designed to ensure absolute confidentiality and prevent any premature disclosure of sensitive fiscal information. For weeks, a dedicated team of officers, printers, and support staff work around the clock behind closed doors, finalising documents that will soon be scrutinised by lawmakers, economists, businesses, startups, and citizens alike.

The Union Budget 2026–27 is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on 1st February, 2026, placing the country just days away from hearing the government’s plans for the next financial year.

Reviewing readiness at the Budget Press

During the ceremony, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also toured the Budget Press—an integral but often unseen part of the Budget ecosystem. She reviewed the preparedness for printing and dissemination of the Budget documents and interacted with officials responsible for ensuring that every page, figure, and annexure is ready for release on Budget Day.

In keeping with the tradition, the Finance Minister extended her best wishes to the entire Budget team, acknowledging the precision, discipline, and responsibility required to carry out one of the government’s most complex annual exercises.

Digital-first access to Budget documents

Reaffirming the government’s emphasis on transparency and digital accessibility, officials reiterated that all key Budget documents—including the Annual Financial Statement (the Budget), Demand for Grants, and the Finance Bill—will be made available digitally through the Union Budget Mobile App.

The app allows Members of Parliament, analysts, and the general public to access Budget documents seamlessly, without waiting for physical copies. It is bilingual, available in English and Hindi, and can be downloaded on both Android and iOS platforms. Users can also access the same documents via the Union Budget web portal at www.indiabudget.gov.in.

As per established practice, the Budget documents will be uploaded on the app and the website after the completion of the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech in Parliament on 1st February, 2026, ensuring simultaneous and equal access for all stakeholders.

The countdown begins

With the completion of the Halwa Ceremony, the Union Budget 2026–27 has officially entered its final stretch. For India’s startup ecosystem, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, the days ahead carry heightened anticipation—each Budget setting the tone for fiscal priorities, reform signals, and economic direction.

While the details remain firmly under wraps, the ceremony serves as a reminder that the machinery of governance is in full motion. Behind the guarded doors of North Block, the last chapters of the Budget are being written—soon to be unveiled on the floor of Parliament, shaping India’s economic narrative for the year ahead.