In an elegant display of India’s rich cultural heritage, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Parliament on Budget Day 2025 wearing a hand-painted saree, a tribute to the centuries-old Madhubani art form. The saree, beautifully adorned with intricate patterns, was a thoughtful gift from Dulari Devi, a renowned Madhubani artist and Padma Shri awardee, highlighting the country’s commitment to preserving its diverse artistic traditions.
The Meaningful Gesture
During her visit to Madhubani, Bihar, where Dulari Devi hails from, the Finance Minister had met the artist at the Mithila Art Institute. Dulari Devi, whose work promotes social causes such as child marriage awareness and women’s struggles, presented Sitharaman with the hand-painted saree, expressing her wish for it to be worn on a significant occasion. Sitharaman, who has often used her attire to showcase India’s cultural heritage, honored this wish by wearing the saree to present the 2025 Union Budget.
“This is a huge gesture for me. I never imagined my saree would reach Parliament,” said Dulari Devi, expressing her gratitude. Her work, rich in social messages, often incorporates themes like HIV/AIDS awareness, making her a pivotal figure in promoting Madhubani art globally.
Dulari Devi’s Story
Dulari Devi’s life is one of resilience. Raised in a fishing community and married at the young age of 13, she faced immense challenges, including abandonment by her husband after the loss of their daughter. Despite these hardships, Devi turned to Madhubani art, training under renowned artists such as Mahasundari Devi and Karpoori Devi. With no formal education, Devi self-taught herself the intricate techniques of Madhubani painting and has since trained over 1,000 aspiring artists. Her work has not only garnered global recognition but also earned her accolades from leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to whom she presented her art in 2021.
Budget Day and Cultural Recognition
On the day she wore the Madhubani saree, Sitharaman also unveiled initiatives that would benefit Bihar’s cultural and agricultural sectors. She announced the formation of a Makhana Board to support Mithila farmers with resources and training, alongside the Paschimi Kosi Nahar Yojana, which promises irrigation to 50,000 hectares in the region. These efforts demonstrate the government’s support for both the cultural heritage and the economic upliftment of the Mithila region.
About Madhubani Art
Madhubani, also known as Mithila painting, originates from the Mithila region of Bihar and is characterized by vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich symbolic motifs. Traditionally painted by women, the artwork often depicts nature, mythological stories, and daily life, with recurring themes such as peacocks, fish, lotus flowers, and geometric patterns. These motifs symbolize prosperity, fertility, and the interconnectedness of nature and life.
The medium traditionally involves using natural dyes and fine brushes, twigs, or even fingers to create highly detailed compositions. Madhubani art, with its unique style and techniques, continues to thrive, thanks to artists like Dulari Devi, who work tirelessly to keep the tradition alive.
The 2025 Budget: A Historic Moment
The 2025 Union Budget marks a significant milestone for Sitharaman, who presented her eighth consecutive budget, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record of six. In her Budget speech, she introduced a major tax relief for income taxpayers, where those earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will now be exempt from income tax. This move is aimed at boosting consumption and providing relief to the middle class, further strengthening India’s economy.
Sitharaman’s thoughtful gesture of wearing a Madhubani saree on Budget Day highlights her continued efforts to connect the nation’s economic progress with its rich cultural traditions. Her choice to honor a beloved artist like Dulari Devi is a testament to her belief in India’s diverse and thriving cultural legacy.
Conclusion
By wearing the hand-painted Madhubani saree, Sitharaman not only honored the art form but also elevated the significance of India’s cultural heritage on a global stage. This thoughtful gesture exemplifies how the Union Budget 2025, beyond its financial proposals, also serves as a celebration of the nation’s artistic achievements, making it a memorable day for both the economy and cultural preservation.
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