Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman showcased her love for Indian hand-woven textiles by choosing a blue handloom saree for the presentation of the second term interim budget of the Modi government.

Sitharaman presented her sixth budget speech, lasting 58 minutes, in a blue tussar silk saree with kantha handiwork, complemented by a golden-hued blouse, while carrying the 'bahi-khata' wrapped in a red cloth embossed with the national emblem.

Let us take a look at the sarees she wore in different years.

The distinctive texture and golden lustre of Tussar silk distinguished her chosen saree, adorned with kantha needlework, a traditional technique from West Bengal involving intricate patterns stitched together from layers of old sarees.

Last year, Sitharaman opted for a traditional temple border red saree, typically made of cotton, silk, or a mix, featuring a black border, intricate golden work, and a star-like design for the Budget presentation.

In the 2022 budget, Sitharaman chose a rustic brown Bomkai saree from Odisha.

The look was simple and elegant as usual, the saree had an off-white border, and the FM paired it with small bindi, and earrings.

For the third budget presentation, she wore a red and off-white Pochampally saree from Hyderabad.

She paired it with a gold chain, bangles, and earrings, marking a change from her previous choices of saarees chose for the budget presentation.

In 2020, Sitharaman donned a yellow-gold silk saree with a blue border, symbolising prosperity and reflecting hope for economic growth amid the pandemic.

During the 2019 Union Budget announcement, Sitharaman made a statement in a pink Mangalgiri saree with a gold border, replacing the briefcase with a 'bahi-khata' for the first time.

This marks the last Budget of the current Lok Sabha, with the next full Union Budget scheduled after the new government is elected following General Elections 2024.