Parliament Budget Session begins with ceremonial welcome, President’s address

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the Parliament premises, marking the formal commencement of the Budget Session of Parliament . She was received by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, with an official carrying the ‘Sengol’ , adopted by the government as a cultural symbol.

The President arrived in a six-horse ceremonial buggy , escorted by the horse-mounted presidential bodyguard on a misty morning, reflecting India’s historical and cultural traditions of honouring the head of the state. A guard of honour was presented on the Parliament lawns before she was escorted to the Lok Sabha chamber in a procession, highlighting the dignity of the office and the constitutional importance of the event .

Ahead of her arrival, a senior Marshal in traditional attire carried the Sengol in a ceremonial procession with drum rolls, emphasizing India’s cultural heritage and the ceremonial significance of the Budget Session . The Vice President, Prime Minister, and Speaker welcomed her at the Gaja Dwar of Parliament and proceeded to the chamber in a formal procession.

Addressing a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament , President Murmu’s speech outlined the government’s priorities and agenda for the upcoming session , officially signalling the start of legislative business, including discussions on the Union Budget.