Nirmala Sitharaman’s Tribute to Mithila Art on Budget Day: A Saree Woven with Culture and Craft

New Delhi/ Patna: On Budget Day, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a poignant statement by donning a saree adorned with traditional Madhubani paintings, a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Bihar’s Mithila region. The saree, a gift from Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi, a renowned Madhubani artist, was meticulously handcrafted over a month.

A Proud Moment

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Dulari Devi remarked, “Mithila’s pride is Madhubani paintings. This saree is made from Bangalore silk and features designs representing coupled fish and the lotus. Mithilanchal is famous for makhana, fish, and paan, which are of great cultural significance. Today, as the Finance Minister wears this saree, it fills us all with immense pride.”

A Meeting of Minds and Art

The connection between Sitharaman and Dulari Devi was forged during a credit outreach event at the Mithila Art Institute in Madhubani. During this visit, Dulari Devi presented the saree to the Finance Minister, expressing her desire for it to be worn on Budget Day.

During their meeting, Sitharaman inquired about Dulari Devi’s creative process. The artist shared her spontaneous approach: “I just take the brush and start, whatever comes to my mind.”

Dulari’s Journey:

Dulari Devi’s journey to becoming a celebrated artist is as intricate as the patterns she paints. Born into a marginalised Dalit Mallaah caste, she worked as a domestic helper before discovering her passion and talent for Madhubani art. Her dedication not only earned her the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021 but also brought global recognition to this traditional art form.