Finance Ministry to Hold Halwa Ceremony Today as Union Budget 2026-27 Preparation Enters Final Phase

The Ministry of Finance is set to conduct the customary halwa ceremony on Tuesday, i.e., 27 January 2026, signifying the commencement of the final and highly confidential phase of preparations for the Union Budget 2026-27, as per NDTV Profit report.  

This tradition symbolises the transition from drafting and deliberations to the finalisation of the Budget document, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior officials in attendance. 

Halwa Ceremony and Lock-In Period 

The halwa ceremony, a long-standing tradition in India's budgetary process, will be attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior ministry officials.  

Following the ceremony, around 60-70 officials directly involved in the Budget preparation will enter the lock-in period, cutting off all external communication until the Budget is presented in Parliament on February 1. This measure ensures the confidentiality of sensitive fiscal information. 

Despite the Ministry of Finance's move to Kartavya Bhavan last year, the Union Budget 2026-27 will be printed at the North Block press due to logistical constraints at the new premises. 

Emphasis on Deregulation 

The Union Budget 2026-27 is expected to prioritise deregulation, aiming to simplify rules, reduce compliance burdens, and enhance the ease of doing business across sectors.  

The focus will be on rationalising laws and processes that hinder investment, trade, and manufacturing, making India more competitive in the global economic environment. 

Officials indicate that deregulation will be complemented by measures to boost domestic manufacturing, exports, and private investment, unlocking growth and strengthening supply chains. 

Read More: Budget 2026: How Does India Digitally Lock the Union Budget Until 11 AM?! 

Conclusion 

The halwa ceremony marks the formal entry of the Union Budget 2026-27 into its concluding phase. With an emphasis on deregulation and measures to boost economic growth, the Budget aims to streamline processes and improve India's competitiveness in the global market. 

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