Sitharaman kicks off Budget process with halwa ceremony

Ahead of printing of documents relating to Union Budget 2020-21, the customary 'halwa ceremony' was held on Monday at the ministry of finance, North Block, in New Delhi. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur and other government officials were also present at the ceremony. 

The 'halwa ceremony' marks the beginning of the lockdown of several officials in the finance ministry, who remain cut off from their families until the presentation of the Budget by the finance minister in the Lok Sabha. 

As a part of the ritual, which has continued for long, 'halwa' is prepared in a big kadhai and served to the entire staff in the ministry. 

The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.

Photographs: Courtesy, finance ministry on Twitter.