On the 28th December, the departure ceremony of Mother Lalasamayi was held in Radhadesh. It was a beautiful ceremony and was very much appreciated by her family members and the 60 devotees who came to say a final farewell.

Before the ceremony started, the family members were shown where the ceremony was to take place and given an explanation of the schedule by Kancana-valli Devi Dasi, who had the service of Master of Ceremonies for the occasion. She did this service with care, being very attentive – especially to the needs of the family.

When the funeral car arrived, devotees started a soft kirtan and the coffin was brought up to the community hall. Everyone was invited to sprinkle some Ganges water on the coffin and to circumambulate it, offering respect to Lalasamayi, and then offering condolences to the family.

A few verses were then read from the Bhagavad-gita about the nature of the soul followed with the singing of 'je anilo prema-dhana’ — a beautiful bhajan expressing feelings of separation.

His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, the spiritual master of Lalasamayi, was very disappointed that he was unable to personally attend the ceremony. He sent a letter to honor his beloved disciple, which was read by Rudradeva Dasa.

You did so much for all of us, but did not want to accept anything in return. You did not allow anyone to serve you even when your body began to show the signs of old age. However, the devotees of Radhadesh have always had the greatest love and respect for you and they were prepared to do anything for you. — Bhakti Charu Swami

Another letter from Hrdaya Caitanya Dasa (the temple president of Radhadesh) was read by Manohara Dasa.

As a community we feel very honored to be able to perform this important ceremony for Lalasamayi Mataji. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be here with you at this very personal time. I am sure she is giving us her full blessings, pleased by the way we are trying to serve her. — Hrdaya Caitanya Dasa

Then, on behalf of the family, Lalasamayi’s daughter, Ingrid read her glorification of her mother, describing her strong determination and personality. After this, all present were invited for a silent period of reflection on what Mother Lalasamayi meant to them.

An arati ceremony was then offered to Lalasamayi. As everyone offered petals to her, Nadia Bihari Dasa softly sang ‘Ohe! Vaishnava Thakura’ — a prayer which is sung for special devotees. As a final service to Lalasamayi, the devotees took her out to circumambulate the temple, accompanied by kirtan, after which a group of devotees accompanied the funeral car for the cremation ceremony in Liège, about 40 km from Radhadesh.

Although it is always sad when someone departs from this world, Lalasamayi’s departure was so glorious that we as a community genuinely feel that she has reached her ultimate destination, and as we would say, “Gone back home, back to Godhead.” That place is certainly full of happiness and joy and was her greatest aspiration. As she did so many things during her time on earth we are sure that she will do much more in the spiritual realm. She will certainly be most pleased with the company and surroundings there. She will be forever missed, but in time, if we follow her example, we can meet her again, and she will inspire us with her wonderful qualities again. — Kancana-valli Devi Dasi