Baba's Chavadi Procession.

Saibaba slept one day in Masjid or Dwarakamai and on the next day he used to sleep in the "Chavadi", a two roomed place nearer to the Masjid. When the time for proceeding to the Chavadi begins, people gathered there in the Masjid, performed keertans and Bhajans, lights were lit and many accompaniments to the Bhajans were made ready like the Tal,Tashe and harmonium etc. When every thing is ready and in place, Tatya used to call Baba, he will lift Baba by the armpit. Baba used to extinguish the light and remove the firewood from the fire place. Then he will put his joli on his shoulder, take the hookah with him along with a small bamboo stick which he used to carry wherever he goes. Beldars standing on the enterance of Masjid, shout loudly "Saibaba ki Jai". On the route, colourful cloths were spread for Baba to walk. Mahlsapathi used to hold one hand and Tatya, the other hand of Baba. Baba used to move very slowly. As he reaches the junction point, he will make some unusual jestures with his hand by moving it up and down listening to the music and drums. Sometimes, Mahlsapathy used to get into a trance and move and dance in a peculiar manner. Baba is never affected by all these. He will stand facing the North. His body and face had a peculiar glow. Those who witnessed the Chavadi procession are very lucky. Those days are gone and will never come again. After entering the Chavadi, Baba was seated in his gadi, with cushion seatings etc. Then Jog performs the Arati with all pomp and parapernalia. Slowly all take Dharsan and take his permission to leave to their houses. Tatya gives Baba scents and perfumes. Baba used to be garlanded and decorated with colourful beads etc. He is unconcerned with all this. He used to tell Tatya, Come when you are free and enquire about my welfare. Take care of me. Then Tatya bows to Baba and departs to his home. Baba used to lay sixty of seventy white towels one over the other and after preparing his beddings thus, he used to lay. Let the devotees remember about the Chavadi procession and his resting in the Chavadi, before going to sleep. Sairam, Saisaran.