Baba's Chavadi procession.

Every alternate days Baba used to go to "Chavadi" and sleep there. There will be a grand procession. Bajans will be sung by the devotees prior to Baba's procession. The horse "Shyamakarna" will lead with nice decorations. Lamps lit with oil will be carried by certain devotees during the procession. Carpets will be spread for Baba to walk. Baba will await for Tatya to call him at the masjid. When Tatya comes, Baba will get ready. He will take his 'Joli" and satka. He will carry his hukkah. He will remove the firewood from the fire and extinguish the lamp that is burning there. Tatya will help Baba, by lifting him by keeping his hand near the armpit and Baba will slowly get up. The procession will be very slow. Beldars will announce Baba's name. Shri Mahlsapathy and Tatya will hold the 'kafni' and thus Baba will slowly emerge and move in a very slow pace. As soon as he reach the junction, Baba will stand still but wave his hand up and down. Baba's face will be glittering. Sometimes "Mahlsapathy' will get into trance and he will move a few steps here and there as though possessed by a spirit. But Baba was unaffected by all these. As soon as Baba enters the Chavadi, arrangements are made to seat Baba comfortably and He will be anointed with perfumes, sandal paste etc. Some people would present beautiful headgear to Baba. As Baba's mood is unpredictable, people will be bothered whether Baba will remove the headgear etc. But Baba used to silently sit honouring the sentiments of the devotees. After "Arati song" Baba will give "Udhi" to all the devotees and bade them to go to their houses. When Tatya takes leave, Baba will say, 'look after me, come here when you can". After that Baba spreads 50 to 60 white towels and goes to rest. May we remember this every day before we go to sleep. Sairam.