In a creative tribute to the nation's financial planning, celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has crafted an impressive sand sculpture on the iconic Puri beach in Odisha to welcome the Union Budget 2026. The artwork, which has drawn considerable attention from visitors and locals alike, serves as a unique prelude to the budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
A Sandy Welcome to Fiscal Planning
The massive sand creation prominently displays the messages "Welcome Union Budget 2026" and "For Viksit Bharat," encapsulating the spirit of national progress. Through intricate detailing, Pattnaik has depicted various aspects of India's development, highlighting growth in crucial sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure. This visual representation not only celebrates economic planning but also engages the public in a dialogue about national priorities.
Budget Session Details and Significance
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha as part of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. According to the List of Business, the Lower House will convene at 11 a.m., where Sitharaman will present a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditures of the Government of India for the year 2026-27.
The Finance Minister will also lay on the table two important statements under Section 3(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003. These include the Medium-Term Fiscal Policy-cum-Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and the Macro-Economic Framework Statement, which are crucial for understanding the government's fiscal roadmap.
Financial Proposals and Projections
Sitharaman will move for leave to introduce the Finance Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, a legislative instrument that gives legal effect to the government's financial proposals. Reports suggest that she is expected to present a ₹54.1 lakh crore Union Budget for FY 2026-27, marking a year-on-year growth of 7.9 per cent, according to analysis by Sunidhi Securities & Finance Limited.
The report emphasized that the size of the Union Budget, measured by Total Expenditure (TE) as a percentage of GDP, serves as the clearest indicator of the government's fiscal intent and economic direction.
Artist's Legacy and Public Engagement
Sudarsan Pattnaik, renowned for using sand art to comment on national and global issues, has once again demonstrated how art can intersect with public policy. His creation on Puri beach has attracted numerous visitors who gathered to view the sculpture and capture photographs, turning the beach into a temporary gallery of civic engagement.
This artistic welcome comes as the Budget session spans 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses of Parliament will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9, allowing Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments thoroughly.
Through this sandy masterpiece, Pattnaik not only welcomes the Union Budget 2026 but also reinforces the connection between artistic expression and national discourse, making complex economic matters more accessible to the common citizen.
