How did the annual fair in Shirdi start, and why is it celebrated on Ram Navami?

The idea for an annual fair, or Jatra, in honor of Maharaj was first proposed by his devotee, Gopalrao Gund. As described in Chapter 0, he shared this concept with other prominent followers like Tatya Patil, Dada Kote Patil, and Madhavrao Deshpande, who enthusiastically agreed to organize it. They initially faced obstacles from the local Kulkarni, which even led to a collector's order prohibiting the fair. However, they eventually secured permission to proceed. The specific timing of the fair was decided by Maharaj's own command. He decreed that the fair should be held on Ram Navami, and this tradition has been managed by Tatya Ganpati Patil Kote and continued ever since.