On 17 August 2018, ISKCON Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) devotees organized and held congregational chanting of the Holy Name in the center of Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital. Prahladananda Swami, the GBC for BiH, also participated in the  event.

At this time of the year, Sarajevo is full of tourists and many are from the Middle East. These tourists love street harinams and stop to chant with devotees and take photos.

It was a Friday, whole families stopped and chanted, children danced and everyone was overjoyed to be glorifying God. And what better place then in front of the City Market? Just as the song, which describes Lord Nityananda’s opening a marketplace and giving people the Holy Name of Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada writes in his Srimad Bhagavatam, eighth Canto, fifth chapter, verse 23:

“Thus the most dangerous of the dirty things within our hearts is this misidentification of the body as the self. Under the influence of this misunderstanding, one thinks, “I am this body. I am an Englishman. I am an Indian. I am an American. I am Hindu. I am Muslim.” This misconception is the strongest impediment, and it must be removed… Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore says, ceto−darpana−marjanam [Cc. Antya 20.12]. To cleanse the core of the heart, which is full of misunderstanding, is possible only through sri−krsna−sankirtana.”

Time and time again Srila Prabhupada’s words are confirmed by practice. The Holy Names of the Lord connect all the people, regardless of their place of birth, race, gender, social status, and bring joy to their hearts. A true formula for peace in the world.