Five songs. One morning parade. A thousand reasons to feel a lump in your throat.

Republic Day isn’t just a red-letter date on the calendar, it’s the day India’s Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, formally turning the country into a republic. The date itself nods to January 26, 1930, when the Indian National Congress declared “Purna Swaraj”, a full-throated demand for complete independence. And yes, the parade is a big deal. But if you ask me, the real Republic Day mood starts when the first patriotic track hits your speakers and suddenly you’re standing a little straighter.

“Aisa Des Hai Mera” (Veer-Zaara)

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This one doesn’t shout patriotism, it sings it, warmly, like a familiar voice calling you home. The track features Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan, Gurdas Maan and Pritha Majumder, with music credited to Madan Mohan.

“Teri Mitti” (Kesari)

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If Republic Day makes you grateful, “Teri Mitti” makes that gratitude sting a bit. The song is written by Manoj Muntashir, composed by Arko Pravo Mukherjee, and sung by B Praak, and it’s part of Kesari (2019). It was also performed as a female version by Parineeti Chopra.

“Sandese Aate Hain” (Border)

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There’s a reason this song lives in people’s bones, it’s patriotism braided with longing. ANI notes the original “Sandese Aate Hai” from Border (1997) was composed by Anu Malik, written by Javed Akhtar, and sung by Sonu Nigam and Roop Kumar Rathod. It’s not just about the nation; it’s about the cost of guarding it.

“Ae Watan” (Raazi)

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This one feels like a promise you make quietly, then keep for life. “Ae Watan” from Raazi (2018) is sung by Arijit Singh, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and written by Gulzar. It’s soft, yes, but it lands heavy.

“Rang De Basanti” (Rang De Basanti)

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Now we flip the switch, from misty-eyed to fired up. The title track is composed by A.R. Rahman, sung by Daler Mehndi and Chitra, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi (as listed by Sony Music India). Put it on and suddenly even folding laundry feels like a revolution.

So, revel in the spirit of India's 77th Republic with these Bollywood patriotic anthems!