Union Budget 2026: Know Secret Behind Red 'Bahi Khata' Of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Who made 'Bahi Khata'?
The ‘bahi khaata’ was made and designed by the aunt of Nirmala Sitharaman.
Credit:
Image X @ANI
How is the 'Bahi Khata' made?
The traditional bahi khaata is made from cotton cloth and bound with thread, with pages crafted from handmade paper. The red ledger is topped with the national emblem in gold.
Credit:
Image X @ANI
Why was the 'bahi khaata' introduced?
The bahi khaata is not just a functional item, but a conscious shift away from colonial-era customs, towards a more Indian imagery for the Budget session.
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Image X @kahanibollyki
When was the Budget timings changed?
During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, the timing of the Budget presentation was changed from evening to morning, breaking a schedule originally set to match the opening of the London Stock Exchange.
Credit:
Image X @nsitharamanoffc
When will the Union Budget 2026 be presented?
The Union Budget for the year 2026-27 (Union Budget 2026) will be presented in Parliament on Sunday. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Budget 2026 speech in the Lok Sabha at 11:00 AM.
Credit:
Image X @RisingIndore
How did the idea behind the red Bahikhata emerge?
Idea behind the red Bahikhata emerged from FM Sitharamans memories of her time working in the United Kingdom, where she observed the British chancellor carrying a bag bearing the emblem “EIIR, Elizabeth-II Regina”.
Credit:
Image X @ANI
Who was used before the 'Bahi Khata'?
Before the Bahi Khata, the leather briefcase had been a constant feature of India’s Budget presentation, used by every finance minister, going from R K Shanmukham Chetty to Arun Jaitley and Piyush Goyal.
Credit:
Image X @ANI
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