India, Feb. 1 -- Ahead of scripting history as the first finance minister to present eight consecutive Union Budgets, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Parliament in a traditional saree, celebrating India's cultural heritage. The saree, adorned with intricate Madhubani artwork, was a gift from Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi, honoring the centuries-old art form and its artisans.

Dulari Devi, who received the Padma Shri in 2021, had met Sitharaman during a credit outreach program at the Mithila Art Institute in Madhubani, Bihar. During their exchange, the two discussed the significance of Madhubani art, and in a heartfelt gesture, Devi presented the saree to Sitharaman, requesting her to wear it on Budget Day.

Honoring ...