Beyond the public celebration, were there any specific personal rituals Sai Baba performed before starting the Chavadi procession?

Yes, Chapter 37 details a significant and subtle ritual Sai Baba performed before the grand procession began. After getting ready, dressed in His kafni and with a golden-bordered shawl placed over Him by Tatya, Baba would not leave immediately. He would first go to a wall where firewood was kept. There, He would move His right big toe at a specific spot for a moment. Following this, He would personally wave His right hand over the burning flame of a lamp to extinguish it. Only after completing these precise, personal actions would Sai set out for the Chavadi, indicating that profound inner preparation preceded the external celebration.