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

The idea for an annual fair, or 'Jatra', in honor of Maharaj was first conceived by his devotee, Gopalrao Gund. As detailed in Chapter 0, he presented this idea to others like Tatya Patil and Madhavrao Deshpande, who agreed to organize it. They initially faced obstacles from the local Kulkarni, which led to a collector's order preventing the fair. However, they eventually obtained an order allowing it to proceed. Crucially, it was by Maharaj's direct command that the fair was decided to be held on Ram Navami, and this tradition has continued ever since.