Printing of union budget starts with 'Halwa ceremony'

The pre-budget Halwa ceremony marks the beginning of printing the union budget documents. The ceremony is held in the printing press situated in the basement of the union finance ministry.

Halwa is prepared and distributed to all the finance ministry officials. It also marks the beginning of the 'lock-in' process. Officials and staff associated with budget making and printing are quarantined.

Physical movement in and out the finance ministry, use of phones and internet is restricted to maintain budget's secrecy. Delhi Police and Intelligence Bureau officials are deployed to maintain vigil.