Where The Holy Name Is Chanted, Is That Not Vṛndāvana?

For many people, the month of December is marked by exhaustion, pressing deadlines, and the closing of annual obligations. Yet across cultures—through observances such as Christmas, New Year, Hanukkah, and various regional traditions—this period is also regarded as a time meant for spiritual renewal, relief from material strain, and hope for a brighter and happier year to come. It is naturally associated with family gatherings, gift-giving, music, and a general expectation of auspiciousness and miracle.

In contemporary America, however, December often finds people seeking escape in leisure and sunshine. Many travel southward, particularly to Florida—and especially Miami—in pursuit of relaxation and enjoyment.

My dear friends, Īśvara Śyāma Dās and Ekananda Vallabhī Devī Dāsī, a gentle and devoted Russian Vaiṣṇava family residing in New Rāmanā Reti (ISKCON Alachua, Florida), also returned recently from a two-week December stay in Miami. Yet the manner in which they spent this time stands apart. Rather than indulging in ordinary recreation, they engaged daily in harināma-saṅkīrtana on the streets and beaches of Miami. Their example is so inspiring that it deserves to be shared with the broader Vaiṣṇava community.

How It All Began

“It began in 2021,” Ekananda Vallabhī Devī Dāsī recalled. “We were planning a December vacation when we happened to see a video of a joyful Christmas harināma in Moscow. At that moment, we understood—this is how we wished to spend our holiday.”

Several kīrtanīyas from Russia were then invited, and they joyfully agreed to participate. “I danced,” she said with a smile. “Īśvara Śyāma carried the speaker, our guests from Moscow led the kīrtanas, our son Balarām played the mṛdaṅga, and our daughter Mañjarī distributed coconut sweets accompanied by messages from the Bhagavad-gītā.” From this simple beginning emerged what later came to be known as the Karuṇā Bhakti Harināma Saṅkīrtana.

Iśvara Śyāma Dās and Ekananda Vallabhī Devī Dāsi.

A Devotional Vacation Routine

How, then, does one organize a vacation centered on harināma? “First,” Īśvara Śyāma Dās explained, “we rent a modest yet sufficiently large house in a Miami suburb for two weeks. The expenses are shared among the devotees staying together, and local devotees from ISKCON Miami also participate.” Ekananda Vallabhī Devī Dāsī added, “We live together very much in the spirit of the glorious Rādhā-Dāmodara Saṅkīrtana Party.”

Each day begins with japa meditation, followed by maṅgala-ārati, Tulasī-pūjā, and Guru-pūjā. “We chant together in one voice,” she said. Daily Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam classes are delivered by different devotees, while others prepare between 200 and 250 coconut sweet balls, each bearing a verse from the Bhagavad-gītā, reminiscent of fortune messages. Some devotees cook breakfast and lunch. By 1:00 p.m., lunch is completed, allowing sufficient time for rest and preparation for the afternoon outreach.

“Around 2:00 p.m., we depart for harināma,” Īśvara Śyāma continued. “We generally go to Lincoln Road, South Miami Beach, or Hollywood Beach—areas frequented by vacationers. We perform walking harināma for approximately three hours.” During the kīrtana, other devotees distribute Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books as well as the prasādam sweets.

Mercy on the Streets of Miami

This year, more than twenty devotees took part in the program. Participants joined from Alachua, Miami, New York, Chicago, California, and even Moscow. “People are very pleased to see our procession,” Īśvara Śyāma remarked. “The ladies dance dressed in bright, colorful saris, the Holy Name resounds accompanied by harmonium and mṛdaṅga, and the joyful atmosphere naturally touches everyone.”

Passersby readily accept flyers, books, and prasādam. Many are delighted to take photographs and dance alongside the devotees. Later, some of them even come to visit the local temple. Reflecting on these experiences, Ekananda Vallabhī Devī Dāsī observed, “Harināma is truly extraordinary. It dissolves misunderstandings—within communities and even within families. The Holy Name performs miracles.”

The best Christmas for a child.

Devotees offering sankirtan in the streets.

Locals joining the joyful celebration.

Gratitude to Our Spiritual Teachers and Śrīla Prabhupāda

Above all, this harināma vacation is offered in a spirit of deep gratitude to the devotees’ spiritual masters and to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda, whose boundless compassion and visionary guidance made such activities possible. Chanting in public, distributing books and prasādam, and living together in a mood of service are all humble attempts to follow his instructions and to please his heart.

“For devotees,” Ekananda Vallabhī Devī Dāsī explained, “December holds special significance as Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Marathon month—a time dedicated to increased effort in preaching, book distribution, and the sincere sharing of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Remembering this, we try to make our December vacation not merely a pause from routine, but an offering of service. By engaging in harināma and distributing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books, we hope to bring joy to his heart and extend his mercy to others. If even a small portion of this service pleases Śrīla Prabhupāda and our spiritual masters, we consider our vacation fully successful.” She concluded with a gentle smile.

An Invitation to All Devotees

We humbly encourage devotees everywhere to consider following this simple yet powerful example: transform your family vacation into harināma-saṅkīrtana. Invite local kīrtanīyas, or lead the chanting yourselves. Go to places where people naturally gather. Chant the Holy Name together as a family. Such engagement is deeply joyful, purifying, and spiritually nourishing. Those seeking guidance may contact the Karuṇā Bhakti team, who will be happy to assist.

Hare Kṛṣṇa.