Union Budget 2026: What Is The Secret Behind The Red 'Bahi Khata' Of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman?

New Delhi: With the nation on the cusp of Budget 2026, the red ‘bahi khaata’ of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is in focus. Introduced in 2019, the traditional red ledger a conscious shift from colonial-era customs towards a more Indian symbol for the budget.

Who made Bahikhata?

The ‘bahi khaata’ was made and designed by the aunt of Nirmala Sitharaman. “My maami (aunt) made this. She had this official emblem embossed on it. This bag was taken toSiddhivinayak and Mahalaxmi temples (in Mumbai) yesterday. She went there, performed puja, and gave it to me. She came to Parliament and watched the Budget speech,” Sitharaman told the media.

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. The Budget 2026 speech is expected to last approximately one to one and a half hours. It will provide the first official glimpse into the government's economic strategy for the upcoming financial year.
This speech typically includes important announcements related to taxes, spending on welfare schemes, infrastructure, and economic reforms.

The budget is a crucial event for ordinary citizens, businesses, and investors alike, as it sets the economic expectations and direction of government policies for the coming year.Budget on a Sunday for the first time

As Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on a Sunday for the first time. This will be the 9th time that Nirmala Sitharaman will present the budget in Parliament. It is worth mentioning that Nirmala Sitharaman has presented an interim budget once. This budget was presented in February 2024.  The government presents an interim budget before the Lok Sabha elections.

What will happen after the Budget 2026 speech ends?

As soon as the Budget 2026 speech concludes, the government will release all budget-related documents, such as financial statements and policy notes, on official portals. These documents will also be presented in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.