Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious observance celebrated globally at various scales, particularly in regions with Irish diaspora. The 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. It still occurs on March 17, consistent with global practice, irrespective of India's cultural diversity and different time zone.