What is special in Nirmala Sitharaman’s saree?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the 9th budget of her tenure. Every time, not only people’s eyes are fixed on the budget, but in the 8 budgets presented by the Finance Minister so far, his saree has also been very special, which represents the art of Indian artisans. This time too her saree is of traditional handloom weave which is made in Kanchipuram, her home state Tamil Nadu. The city is also known as the ‘Silk City of India’ because sarees are made here by skilled artisans from high quality shiny silk and golden brocade.
Kanjeevaram sarees of Tamil Nadu have also got the GI tag of Kanchipuram, because its history is very old and these sarees are popular not only in the South but all over India, from common to special. Many big celebrities are also often seen in Kanjeevaram silk saree on special occasions. Especially legendary actress Rekha is seen in Kanjeevaram silk saree. So let’s see how special is the saree worn by Finance Minister Sitharaman in this budget.
Special in Finance Minister’s saree?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wore a hand-woven Kanjeevaram silk saree for Budget 2026, which is magenta in color and has golden zari detailing. The design of the saree worn by Nirmala Sitharaman is called Kattam Kanjeevaram, in fact the check or grid design strips woven in the saree are called Kattam. Oval shapes and geometric patterns like golden coins have been made on the border of the saree. Apart from this, there is straight line as well as curve wave detailing on the edge.
Image: PTI
Specialty of Kanjeevaram Silk Saree
If we talk about the specialty of Kanjeevaram silk sarees, then just touching it will give you a different experience. It has been a part of the wardrobe of Indian women for many generations and is linked to their emotions. The silk used in these sarees is not only of high quality and despite being thick, it is not hard but this saree is also very soft and does not appear very shiny. Its folds are made so clean that it sets very well on the shoulder. This saree is neither very flowy nor very clingy. Gold and silver zari work is also used in these sarees.
In this, pure mulberry threads are used which are traditionally prepared in Karnataka apart from Tamil Nadu. The real magic is hidden in the workmanship of the artisans who make this saree. These hand woven sarees do not get spoiled for a long time. Their brocade neither fades nor does its color and shine fade.
Patterns are very special
Talking about the patterns of these sarees, you will mostly get either check (Kattam) or check (Kattam) designs. The kind of saree that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has carried. Apart from this, there are motifs like peacock, mango (paisley), elephant. Apart from this, lines i.e. strips and Bhawanji borders (these are very simple and double lines to look at, like the ones woven in the border of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s saree).
colors are bright
Bright colors are often used in Kanjeevaram silk sarees like mustard yellow, i.e. a bright color like mustard yellow flowers. Apart from this, there are colors like royal blue, maroon, parrot green, magenta. There is a difference between the color of the saree and the border. Such Kanjivaram sarees are not a part of trendy fashion, rather they are a tradition and heritage that mothers pass on to their daughters and pass on from generation to generation as a reflection of our Indian craftsmanship.
Old and rich history
The history of Kanjeevaram sarees is also very old and rich. If it is said simply and in short words, its history is considered to be 400 to 500 years old. These sarees started being made during the Pallava and Chola dynasties which represent the rich culture of South India, as these sarees were earlier carved with designs inspired by ancient architecture and mythology.
budget day saree in 2025
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wore an off-white colored saree on the Budget Day of 2025, on the border of which Madhubani art work was seen. This saree represents the art of Bihar. Talking about its specialty, patterns like fish, lotus, makhana, paan, water were made in it which represent the identity of Mithila.