Nirmala Sitharaman Wears Madhubani Saree To Honour Padma Shri Awardee Dulari Devi

February 1, 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has once again made a statement with her attire on Budget Day, this time by wearing a beautiful off-white saree with intricate golden work. The saree, paired with a red blouse and a shawl, was complemented by her signature red ‘bahi-khata’—a tablet wrapped in red cloth with the national emblem embossed on it.

However, this year’s saree was more than just a fashion choice; it carried a deep story of tradition and craftsmanship. The saree was a gift from Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi, a self-taught Madhubani artist from Bihar. The finance minister had met Dulari Devi during a visit to the Mithila Art Institute in Madhubani for a credit outreach event, where the artist gifted her the saree and requested that she wear it on Budget Day. Honoring this request, Sitharaman wore the saree as a tribute to the rich tradition of Madhubani art and to recognize Dulari Devi’s exceptional contribution to this craft.

Dulari Devi’s journey is an inspiring one. Hailing from a fisherman community, traditionally not associated with painting, she became a renowned Madhubani artist through sheer determination. Despite personal hardships, including being abandoned at 16, losing a child, and working as a domestic helper for 16 years, she persevered and embraced her passion for painting, learning from Karpoori Devi, another esteemed Madhubani artist. Over the years, she has painted over 10,000 works, raising awareness about important social issues such as child marriage, AIDS, and female foeticide. Additionally, Dulari has trained more than 1,000 students and displayed her work at over 50 exhibitions across India, ensuring the survival and evolution of the traditional art form.

This gesture from Sitharaman aligns with her long-standing tradition of using her attire on Budget Day to celebrate India’s textile heritage. In previous years, she has worn sarees that highlight various traditional weaves and fabrics from across the country. From a pink Mangalgiri silk saree in 2019 to a blue Tussar silk saree in 2024, each choice reflects her commitment to promoting India’s diverse craftsmanship.

Her choice to wear the Madhubani saree this year is yet another example of her dedication to honoring the artistic traditions that form an integral part of India’s cultural identity.