How were the devotees and the surroundings prepared for the Chavadi procession?

The preparations for the Chavadi procession transformed the area into a festival. As Chapter 37 describes, arches and garlands were put up at crossroads, and flags fluttered high. The vicinity of the Masjid was illuminated by many rows of lamps. Children were adorned with new clothes and divine ornaments. Devotees would gather with various musical instruments like cymbals, wooden clappers, and drums to create a 'storm of bhajan.' Even the horse, Shyamakarna, stood at the courtyard gate, resplendent in full decoration, awaiting the start of the grand procession.