New Delhi: In order to mark the beginning of printing of documents relating to Union Budget 2020-21, the customary ‘Halwa Ceremony’ was held at the Ministry of Finance, North Block on Monday.

It marks the beginning of lockdown of several officials in the finance ministry and who remains 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 Finance Minister, Smt. @nsitharaman presided over #HalwaCeremony today at North Block to mark the beginning of printing of #Budget2020 documents. MoS Shri @ianuragthakur was also present besides senior @FinMinIndia officials. pic.twitter.com/CgzYwYnLKx

— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) January 20, 2020

After the ceremony, the employees who are a part of the budget-making process, move to the basement of North Block for around 10 days. They will only emerge once the Finance Minister presents the Budget in Parliament.

This is done to prevent any leaks before the annual Budget is presented. The ceremony also recognises and lauds the efforts of every staff who have been a part of the budget-making process.

The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.