President Murmu Offers Dahi-Cheeni to Finance Minister Ahead of Budget

In a significant gesture ahead of the Union Budget presentation, President Droupadi Murmu offered dahi-cheeni, a traditional mix of curd and sugar, to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026. This meeting took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, also attending the ceremony.

The act of serving dahi-cheeni is steeped in Indian tradition, symbolizing good fortune and auspicious beginnings. It serves to create a positive atmosphere before undertaking significant tasks. As Finance Minister, Sitharaman is preparing to present her ninth Union Budget in Parliament on this day, an event that holds substantial importance for the country’s economic trajectory.

Significance of the Gesture

The timing and nature of this ritual carry particular weight, as it marks the first instance in India’s fiscal history that the Union Budget is being unveiled on a Sunday. This unique scheduling reflects an evolving approach to budgetary processes in the country.

Prior to her meeting with President Murmu, Sitharaman was seen carrying her distinctive bahi-khata, a tablet covered in red cloth adorned with the national emblem. This detail suggests her thorough preparation for the crucial discussions regarding the upcoming budget proposals.

The ritualistic offering of dahi-cheeni resonates deeply within Indian customs, often performed to invoke blessings before embarking on important endeavors. It underscores a cultural belief in the power of positive beginnings, especially in the context of financial planning and governance.

As the country anticipates the details of the budget, the significance of such traditional gestures cannot be underestimated. They not only affirm cultural values but also enhance the ceremonial nature of political processes, setting a tone of optimism and hope for the economic landscape ahead.

With the budget presentation approaching, the combination of tradition and modern fiscal responsibility will be closely scrutinized by citizens and analysts alike, as they seek to understand its implications for India’s future.