We have this programme of Nagar sankirtan. It is nothing new, for Jayadeva, Gauranga (Chaitanya), Tukaram and Kabir used this type of Namasmarana as a means of self-improvement and, mass spiritual awakening. Gather in the early hours before dawn, say, about 4:30 A.M. or 5 A.M. and proceed slowly along the streets, singing Bhajans, songs glorifying God. Carry the name of God to every door; wake the sleeping with it, purify the atmosphere of the streets, rendered unclean by angry shouts of hate or greed, faction or fight.

Let the day dawn for you and others, with the thought of the Almighty, the Compassionate, and the Omnipresent All-knowing God. What greater service can you do to yourself and others? This will give you health and happiness. Your egoism will be shattered when you sing in the streets in full view of your neighbours. You will forget, in your enthusiasm, all pride and self-esteem. Thus, this Nagar sankirtan is a great sadhana, a great piece of social service. (SSS Vol. 6, p. 181)

When I give a discourse or involve you in bhajan singing, it is only meant for the expansion of your heart. When you participate in Nagar Sankirtan in the early hours of the day, your heart will be brimming with bliss. It is not enough if you merely sing for your own satisfaction. You should participate in community singing wholeheartedly and share your joy with one and all. Sing His glory full-throated and make everyone drink the nectar of the divine name. Your aim should always be to attain expansion of heart in every endeavour. Only then will the title of “human being” befits you. Be broadminded and share your happiness with everybody. (SSS Vol.38, p. 211)

It is possible for you to acquire any number of worldly and material things but you are not able to attain God who is right within you. See God who is immanent in you. Look inside, don’t look outside. Close your eyes and pray to God who dwells in you. Then only will God manifest before you and grant you everything. It is only by chanting the Divine Name that you can receive God’s grace and His direct vision. Nagar sankirtan has been devised to spread Namasmarana (chanting of the Divine Name) among people more and more. While chanting the name of God in Nagar sankirtan, do not extol on the attributes of God. There is no use extolling the attributes of God any number of times. God is the embodiment of the Atma. The Atma is attributeless. (SSS Vol. 41, p. 83)

God is ever to respond, whenever there is a call for help. Yes, you seek the Grace of God, but can you get it, when you do not respond to the call of the distressed?... God waits on the doorstep, like sunlight, eager to slip through the narrowest slit, and spread light where there was darkness, warmth, where there was biting cold. So too, you must wait for the chance to brighten and lighten the lives of others, deprived of cheer and charity... Awaken the people to the Glory of the Creator through Nagar Sankirtan. (SSSm Vol.3, p. 127)

(Hundreds of devotees from all over Mumbai joined for the Maha Nagarsankirtan, at Dharmakshetra before dawn and there was so much ecstasy and joy in the air.)

You came into this world alone, with no companion, isn t it? During the years of life, you collected all this kith and kin, you gathered wife and children, friends, and acquaintances who attached themselves to you. When you return to the realm from which you came, you enter the portals alone, with no one to keep company. So too, let it be with the journey called Nagar Sankirtan. Come into the street alone; collect kith and kin, if they come unto you; move with them, unconcerned and unaffected; revel in your own sweet solitariness; finally enter your home, in the satisfaction that your job is well done. Fellows may laugh at you as insane; but, this insanity is infectious and very soon, even the irreverent will be initiated into the fold. No organisation should have as its office-bearers people who do not join the Nagar Sankirtan party. They must have no qualms, no hesitation, no tremors of doubt. (SSS Vol.10, 13-1-1970)