Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will on Sunday (February 1, 2026) present her ninth Union Budget in Parliament. The annual budget is more than a statement of government spending—it reflects the hopes of millions of Indians and sets the country's financial direction for the year.

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The Union Budget 2026–27 is expected to total Rs 54.1 lakh crore, showing a 7.9% growth from the previous year, according to Sunidhi Securities & Finance Limited.

The Cultural Tradition Behind 'Dahi-Cheeni'

Every year, Indian culture adds a touch of ritual to Budget Day. Before leaving for Parliament, the Finance Minister receives 'dahi-cheeni' (curd and sugar) from the President of India. In Indian tradition, this combination symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and a smooth completion of important tasks.

During a courtesy visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President feeds the Finance Minister curd and sugar as a gesture of goodwill, blessing the nation's upcoming financial roadmap.

Sitharaman Chasing Budget Records

With today's presentation, Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver her ninth consecutive budget, equaling former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The all-time record, however, is held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented ten budgets—six between 1959–1964 and four more from 1967–1969.