Union Budget 2025: Why President Droupadi Murmu offered 'Dahi Cheeni' to Nirmala Sitharaman

Saturday morning was all about the Union Budget and all the eyes were on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Right before she presented the budget, she went to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, where the latter followed the ritual of offering Dahi-Cheeni (curd and sugar). Scroll down to know the reason and significance of this long-standing Indian tradition.
“The President expressed best wishes to the Union Finance Minister and her team for the presentation of the Budget,” read a post from the President’s official X handle, accompanied by visuals of their meeting.
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A follow-up tweet stated: “Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the Union Budget.”

Significance of the practice
As per experts, it is a practice being followed in Indian homes for decades. During exams, mothers ensure that their kids eat curd and sugar before heading out for the exams. Also, this practice is followed when someone is travelling or is going to start something new in life.
It is believed that the combination helps reduce mental restlessness, and helps stay focused and aid with concentration power. It is also believed that the practice brings good fortune, positivity, and success.
Astrological perspective
Curd represents the cooling and stabilisation energy of the Moon, which governs emotions, peace, and clarity, while sugar symbolises Venus, the planet of harmony and prosperity. Together, they create a balancing effect, reducing nervousness and enhancing focus.

Health perspective
Curd provides instant energy, aids digestion, and helps keep the body cool, making it an ideal food before high-pressure situations. Packed with the goodness of healthy probiotic bacteria, milk protein, calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, curd is excellent for improving digestion, boosts metabolism, good for gut health and keeps the body temperature in control.
What does Ayurveda say about it?
According to the books of Ayurveda, dahi is known as 'Kapha-vardhak' due to its nature. Curd has a calming effect on the body. Mixing it with shakkar/sugar helps in keeping the body cool and calm during the summers. On the other hand, mixing glucose-rich sugar gives an instant boost of energy. This blend also helps in reducing the stress in the body and removes fatigue, consuming it together improves memory and concentration.