Budget 2026: The Secret Behind India's Budget Lock-in Period and Halwa Ceremony

• The Union Budget 2026 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1st, preceded by the traditional Halwa Ceremony.
• The Halwa Ceremony, held in North Block, signifies the final stage of budget preparation and the beginning of strict secrecy.
• After the ceremony, key officials enter a 'lock-in period' in North Block, isolated from the outside world without phones or internet until the budget presentation.
• This lock-in ensures no sensitive budget information, such as tax changes or allocations, is leaked, preventing market manipulation and economic disruption.
• The strict secrecy measures were implemented after a budget leak in 1950 led to a major controversy and the Finance Minister's resignation.

Why It Matters: India's budget process involves a unique Halwa Ceremony and a strict lock-in period to ensure complete secrecy.