New Delhi, Jan 28 : President Droupadi Murmu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Parliament on Friday, marking the commencement of the Budget Session. She was greeted by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and an official carrying the ‘Sengol,’ a cultural symbol endorsed by the government.
Arriving in a six-horse ceremonial buggy and escorted by the horse-mounted presidential bodyguard, President Murmu received a guard of honour on the Parliament lawns before proceeding to the Lok Sabha chamber. The procession was led by the official carrying the Sengol, accompanied by drum rolls, while a senior Marshal in traditional attire preceded the ceremony.
The vice president, prime minister, and Lok Sabha speaker welcomed the president at the Gaja Dwar of the Parliament building, escorting her to the chamber along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. President Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both Houses formally signalled the start of the 2026 Budget Session.