Devendra noticed that well-to-do devotees of the Master would often invite Sri Ramakrishna to their houses and arrange for festivals. He too wanted to invite the Master, but did not have enough money. Despondent, he talked it over with Girish, who willingly offered financial help. This gave Devendra the encouragement that he needed, and later he decided to bear the cost of it by himself without anyone’s help. A few days later he went to Dakshineswar. He was extremely hesitant to invite the Master, but Sri Ramakrishna himself said to Devendra, “I have been thinking of visiting your house one day.” Devendra replied: “The same idea came to my mind today, and I have come here to ask that favour of you. You must grace my house this Sunday.” “But,” the Master said, “you have a small income. Don’t invite many people. The carriage hire will also run to a big amount.”Devendra answered with a laugh: “What if it is small? ‘One can run into debt to eat butter!’” Sri Ramakrishna laughed a long time at Devendra’s words. When Ram Chandra Datta heard from Devendra about the Master’s forthcoming visit, he arranged to have Sri Ramakrishna’s favourite singer and musician come for the festival.
On 6 April 1885, Sri Ramakrishna went to Devendra’s house, along with several devotees. They were entertained with a kirtan and a feast. In the course of conversation the Master said to the devotees: “If the mind is free from ‘lust and gold,’ then what else can obstruct a man? He enjoys then only the Bliss of Brahman.” As the Master listened to the devotional songs, he went into samadhi. Later he talked to the devotees in a joyful mood. Devendra then served everyone ice cream, a favourite treat of the Master’s. Since the day was very hot it was greatly appreciated. (Source: They Lived with God)