Why did President Murmu give dahi-cheeni to Nirmala Sitharaman on Budget day?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, ahead of her seventh Union Budget presentation, met with President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday. During this meeting, President Murmu offered 'dahi-cheeni' (curd-sugar), considered auspicious, to Sitharaman before she left for Parliament to present the full Budget for 2024-25.

In India, food is deeply rooted in its culture and traditions, where delicacies are always part of auspicious events, whether it is an offering to a deity or a treat to bring good luck during new beginnings. Before participating in religious rituals or ceremonies, people may eat sweets as an offering to the gods and as a symbol of seeking blessings. Brides and grooms might eat sweets before their wedding ceremonies to symbolize a sweet and prosperous beginning to their married life. Before starting a new business venture or signing a significant deal, it is common to distribute and consume sweets as a gesture of goodwill and to invoke good fortune. Some people eat sweets before embarking on a journey, believing it will ensure a safe and pleasant trip. During festivals like Diwali, sweets are consumed and shared to mark the beginning of festivities and to invite prosperity and joy into homes.

Sweet curd tradition
'Dahi-cheeni' refers to a traditional Indian practice of consuming curd (dahi) mixed with sugar (cheeni). It is often eaten as a sweet treat or given to individuals before they embark on an important task or journey, as it is believed to bring good luck and success. This practice is rooted in cultural beliefs and is common across many parts of India. Students are often given sweets like 'dahi-cheeni' before they head out for exams. The curd is believed to calm the stomach and the mind, while the sugar provides a quick energy boost.

Sitharaman and Budget traditions
Sitharaman, known for bringing a traditional flair to the Budget presentation, was earlier seen taking part in halwa preparation, a kind of a 'send-off' for finance ministry officials and staff involved in the preparation of the Union government's annual financial statement. They enter what is called a 'lock-in' period, during which they stay in the basement of North Block, cut off from the world outside to maintain the secrecy around the final budget document. They emerge only after the finance minister completes her Budget speech in the Lok Sabha. It is considered a gesture of appreciation for those who have worked on the Budget.

Sitharaman continued with the tradition she set in 2019, carrying the budget speech in a 'bahi-khata', which she used after dropping the briefcase tradition. She keeps a digital tablet in a red 'bahi khata' style pouch.