Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day History

Saint Patrick's Day honours Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who is primarily recognized for bringing Christianity to the island. Saint Patrick's Day involves festive public parades, wearing of green clothing or accessories, and public celebrations often featuring Irish music and dance. The consumption of traditional Irish foods and drinks is also a common part of the festival.

The holiday's history can be traced back over 1,000 years to Ireland. Legend has it that Saint Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock, now a symbol of the holiday, to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity. Considering the significant presence of Christianity in India along with a shared colonial history with Ireland, Saint Patrick's Day has meaningful connections in the Indian context. Though it is not a public holiday, Saint Patrick is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Bombay, one of India's oldest and largest Catholic institutions. Moreover, the rich cultural exchanges promised by this celebration have far-reaching appeal for people in India.

Saint Patrick's Day is observed widely across India, particularly in the Christian strongholds in South India and the Northeast, and in metropolises like Delhi and Mumbai. The Irish pubs in major cities such as Bengaluru and Pune usually throw themed parties. These celebrations showcase traditional Irish music and dance performances, a highlight being percussive dance or tap dance known as Irish stepdance. Given the cultural variance across the subcontinent, the holiday is celebrated on different scales and styles. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th each year.

Facts about Saint Patrick's Day

• Approximately 10 million pints of Irish Guinness stout are consumed on an average day around the world. On St. Patrick's Day, nearly 13 million are consumed.
• St. Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Trinity to non-Christians. The leaves stood for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• St. Patrick was not Irish; he was born in Roman Britain.
• In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, with large expatriate communities, people organize St. Patrick's Day parties at pubs and restaurants. These gatherings often feature green-themed decorations, food, drink specials, and sometimes even live music.

In the News and Trending in India for Saint Patrick's Day

Top things to do in India for Saint Patrick's Day

• Wear green! In some parts of the world, the custom is to pinch people who aren't wearing the color of shamrocks.
• The heart of any Irish neighborhood is its local pub. Share a couple of green Guinness beers with friends at a local Irish pub or try Magner's (Bulmer's) apple cider as an alternative.
• Visit Irish Pubs: There are numerous Irish-themed pubs and restaurants spread across the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, which organise special events on St. Patrick's Day. For instance, the Irish House, hosts St. Patrick’s Day parties featuring Irish music, traditional food and drinks.
• Read a book to learn more about Saint Patrick:
  St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography - by Philip Freeman
  Confessions of St. Patrick - translated by John Skinner
  The Life and Miracles of Saint Patrick - by J. F. Kenney