Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Karad and senior officials of the finance ministry participated in the symbolic 'Halwa Ceremony' that marks the beginning of compilation of budget documents.

The 'halwa ceremony' marks the beginning of the lockdown of several officials in the finance ministry, who remain cut off from their families until the presentation of the Budget by the finance minister in the Lok Sabha. 

As a part of the ritual, which has continued for long, 'halwa' is prepared in a big kadhai and served to the entire staff in the ministry. 

The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.