Halwa Ceremony Marks Final Stage for Union Budget 2026-27
FM Sitharaman kicks off final stage of Budget preparation at North Block
- Halwa ceremony marks start of official ‘lock-in’ process
- Budget 2026-27 to be presented on February 1
- Finance Minister reviews Budget Press preparations
- Budget documents to be available via mobile app and website
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th Jan: The final stage of preparations for the Union Budget 2026-27 commenced today with the traditional Halwa Ceremony held at the Budget Press in North Block, New Delhi.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, along with senior officials involved in the Budget-making process.
The Halwa Ceremony marks the beginning of the ‘lock-in’ period, during which officials associated with Budget preparation remain isolated until the presentation of the Budget to maintain confidentiality. The Union Budget 2026-27 is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on February 1, 2026.
During the event, the Finance Minister toured the Budget Press, reviewed ongoing preparations, and extended her best wishes to the Budget team for the successful completion of the process.
Secretaries from various departments under the Ministry of Finance and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
The Ministry of Finance also announced that all Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement, Demand for Grants, and the Finance Bill, will be made available on the Union Budget Mobile App and the official website.
The bilingual mobile application, available in English and Hindi, can be downloaded on Android and iOS platforms, as well as from the Union Budget web portal at www.indiabudget.gov.in.
The Budget documents will be accessible on the app and website after the completion of the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech in Parliament on February 1, 2026.
