India observes Independence Day on August 15 every year. The nationwide celebrations, the parades, the performances, the singing of the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’– all these things evoke a sense of patriotism among Indians. This year, the country is celebrating its 74th Independence Day on Saturday.

A significant part of celebrating Independence Day lies in the singing of patriotic songs and listening to them. Over the years, several songs have been written and composed to remind us of the love we have for our country and there is no better occasion to listen to them than on the day India gained independence.

Here are five songs that you can listen this Independence Day that celebrate India’s freedom:

Maa Tujhe Salaam

The song was a part of the 1997 album ‘Vande Mataram’ by AR Rahman. The song is an ode to the country and is sure to stir up a sense of patriotism in you, every time you listen to it, even more so with the amazing composition combined with Rahman’s voice.

Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera

Composed and sung by AR Rahman again, this song is perfect for the times you are missing your country, just like Shah Rukh Khan does in 2004 film ‘Swades’, where the song features. They lyrics and the composition are sure to give you goosebumps as Rahman manages to capture the love of Indians for India.

Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo

This song was composed to honour the soldiers who were martyred in the 1962 Sino-Indian war, where 20 of them lost their lives protecting the country and its people. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, the song still leaves an Indian teary-eyed. 

Ae Watan

When ‘Raazi’, a film revolving around the life of an Indian spy in Pakistan, released, the song ‘Ae Watan’ became an instant hit. Both the male and female versions sung by Arijit Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan are exhilarating in their own way, invoking that feeling of patriotism in every Indian.

Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa

This song was originally written in 1942, as a quick march song of the Indian National Army of Subhas Chandra Bose and has been carried forward to this day. The song demands of not being scared at any obstacle that might come in the way and to move forward– a perfect one to celebrate Independence Day.