Dulari Devi Celebrates as FM Wears Mithila Saree for Budget Speech

Key Takeaways

Dulari Devi is a Padma Shri awardee and notable Madhubani artist.
The saree features intricate fish motifs and a golden border.
FM Sitharaman's saree symbolizes the rich legacy of Madhubani art.
Coupled fish motifs represent prosperity in Mithila paintings.
The saree was gifted during FM's visit to the Mithila Painting Institute.

New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) The saree donned by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget address on Saturday carries immense cultural significance. It was presented to her by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi, a celebrated artist of Madhubani painting from Bihar, whose distinctive style of Mithila painting has garnered international acclaim for the region.

In honor of the rich heritage of Madhubani art and its creators, the saree is adorned with elaborate fish-themed embroidery complemented by a golden border.

This handloom saree, which showcases traditional Mithila motifs, was bestowed upon FM Sitharaman during her visit to the Mithila Painting Institute in Saurath on November 29, 2024.

Commenting on the FM's choice to wear her saree, Dulari Devi conveyed her pride, stating, "Mithila's pride is Madhubani paintings. This saree is crafted from Bangalore silk and features designs of coupled fish and the lotus. Mithilanchal is celebrated for makhana, fish, and paan, which hold great cultural importance. Today, as the Finance Minister dons this saree, it fills us all with immense pride."

Dulari Devi highlighted that these motifs, integral to Mithila art, embody the traditions and values of the region.

For instance, the coupled fish is a well-known symbol in Mithila paintings, typically depicted alongside the lotus, representing prosperity.

During her visit to the Mithila Painting Institute in Saurath, FM Sitharaman displayed a keen interest in the meanings behind Mithila art.

Dulari Devi reminisced about a dialogue where FM Sitharaman inquired whether she pre-plans her paintings. Dulari Devi responded, 'I simply take the brush and begin, whatever comes to my mind.'

The Finance Minister also sought to learn about the symbols of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in Mithila art, to which Dulari Devi clarified that Lord Ram is symbolized by his bow (Dhanush), while Goddess Sita is represented by her makeup (Shringaar), a vital element in the paintings.

The saree worn by Sitharaman stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mithila's Madhubani art.