New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday chose to wear a handwoven Kancheevaram silk saree from Tamil Nadu ahead of her presentation of the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament.

For her record ninth consecutive budget presentation, Sitharaman's sartorial choice reaffirmed a tradition that has quietly evolved into a cultural statement.

The Finance Minister's saree featured a purple kattam (checked) body with light golden-brown checks, a coffee-brown border with thread work, and a mustard-gold pallu panel accented by violet and gold borders. She teamed the drape with a wollen shawl

Known for their lustrous silk and intricate craftsmanship, Kancheevaram sarees are among India's most celebrated handlooms.

A nati...