On August 15, 2021, India will mark its 75th year of Independence. In the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, people of the country will enjoy the event from the comfort of their own homes. To make the ceremonies more memorable, the government has even requested that people upload recordings of themselves performing the national song.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the country at the Red Fort this year, in the presence of all Olympians who won medals in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be closed to the public and there will be no cultural acts.

Because this year’s events will not include the typical crowds at Red Fort, you may always celebrate Independence Day from the comfort of your own home by participating in a variety of activities.

Here is a collection of five patriotic songs that you may listen to, to instill love and pride for your nation:

Maa Tujhe Salaam

AR Rahman’s 2014 song saluting the homeland has motivated the youth for many years to feel pride and affection for the country.

Ae Watan

This song is from the 2019 film Raazi, starring Alia Bhatt. It evokes an emotional connection with one’s nation. 

Teri Mitti

Teri Mitti is a beautiful tribute to the motherland. The song is from Akshay Kumar’s film Kesari and tells the tale of the 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment who fought bravely against 10,000 Pashtun invaders in the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897.

Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon 

The song was first performed live two months after the war by Mangeshkar on Republic Day (26 January) 1963 at the National Stadium in New Delhi in the presence of President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Saare Jahan Se Achha 

Sare Jahan se Accha is an Urdu language patriotic song for children composed in the ghazal form of Urdu poetry by poet Muhammad Iqbal. The song has remained popular, but only in India.  An abbreviated version is widely sung and played as a patriotic hymn and marching song of the Indian Armed Forces.