Before leaving for the Chavadi, Sai Baba performed a specific ritual with a flame. Can you explain what he did?

Yes, before setting out for the Chavadi procession, Sai Baba performed a unique and personal ritual involving fire. As described in Chapter 37, after getting ready and having the golden-bordered shawl placed on Him by Tatya, Baba would walk over to a bundle of firewood kept against a wall. He would first move His right big toe at that spot for a moment. Then, in a remarkable act, He would personally wave His right hand over the burning flame that was there, extinguishing it completely. Only after performing this ritual of putting out the fire with His own hand would He finally set out from the Masjid for the Chavadi procession.