Budget 2022: All you need to know about halwa ceremony

The traditional halwa ceremony  takes place a few days ahead of the Union Budget presentation. It marks the commencement of the budget process and printing of the  budget document. The ceremony recognises the efforts of every member of the budget-making team and support staff. Last year, the ceremony took place on January 23, nine days ahead of the presentation of the budget. 

Also Read | Budget 2022: Education sector seeks higher allocations, tax concessions

The halwa ceremony takes place in the Union Finance Ministry in the North Block in New Delhi. It is attended by the finance minister, the ministers of state, bureaucrats, and officials and staff of the ministry who are directly associated with the budget-making process. The halwa ceremony marks the last stage of the budget process. Previously, the ceremony marked the beginning of the printing of the budget documents.

Also Read | Budget 2022: Key financial terms you should know

Last year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Union Budget mobile app on the day of the halwa ceremony. The budget had moved to paperless mode for the first time due to pandemic restrictions. The app provides all the information related to the budget in a few taps. 

Also Read | Budget 2022: Infra sector expects investment push for NPE, Make-in-India

Significance of the halwa ceremony

The halwa ceremony acknowledges the efforts of everyone involved in the making of the country’s budget for the particular year. The finance minister serves the sweet dish (halwa) to ministry officials. The dessert is usually prepared in a large vessel and everyone receives a bite of it. 

Also Read | Budget 2022 likely to rein in inflationary expectations

Once the event is over officials and other staff are made to stay in the basement of the North Block till the time the budget is finally presented by the minister. The step is taken to ensure that the budget contents are not leaked till the due time. The officials and support staff remain cut off from the outside world between the halwa ceremony and budget presentation.  Only a few top officials are allowed to leave the place.

Also Read | Budget 2022: Health sector seeks investment push

Last year, due to COVID-19 the number of people sequestered in the North Block was reduced. Also, there was no printing of the budget documents and the printing staff did not need to be kept back.