During one of the Poojas held in Cabella in 1994, Alga talked to Maria Amélia and told her that prior a Pooja celebration, ladies from the hosting country should present the Goddess with different items for Her to use while getting ready for Pooja. This offering was then called “Lakshmi Trays” and items offered comprehended face and body creams, bath oils, soap and gels, towels of all sizes, perfumes, powders, just to name some.

These trays were to be presented at the castle in the morning of Pooja day, before all the preparations started.

 

Therefore, the following Pooja hosted by Switzerland that year, some trays were prepared by ladies of the country with offerings gathered from most of them in the collective. A group of married ladies went to the castle and offered the trays in the morning.

Yogis from other countries saw this, asked what it was all about and obviously desired to do the same when they were hosting a Pooja. The idea was that the Goddess should receive these offerings before all the Poojas. A beautiful tradition then started, countries creating beautiful trays and baskets, nicely decorated and full of Love and Dedication for our Beloved Mother.

 

Later, Shri Mataji preferred that these trays were presented just before She was leaving for the Pooja, wherever She was. So in Cabella, married ladies from hosting countries would gather at the entrance of the living-room when She was going out for Pooja. (I still remember ladies hurrying after to get to the tent – near the castle or by the river - to arrive on time )

 

For Poojas hosted in other countries, like for instance in LA, Lakshmi trays were presented to Her where She was staying, as for instance the first time at Her house in Calabasas. Later, Shri Mataji preferred to avoid too many people coming to the house before the Pooja, and therefore requested these trays/baskets to be presented at Her arrival at the Pooja place. So, ladies were standing on a line holding these trays between the main door and the stage.

It was important that the offerings were to be done before the Pooja started.

 

Nowadays, things have evolved/changed, and Poojaris present the Lakshmi Baskets after the welcome Aarti.

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-Recollection by Maria Amelia de Kalbermatten

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