What was Sai Baba's daily practice regarding the sacred ash, or Udi, and what did it signify for departing devotees?

Sai Baba maintained a sacred fire, or Dhuni, into which he would offer dry logs. The resulting ash, known as Udi, was distributed to his followers. As detailed in Chapter 33, this was a consistent daily practice, and Baba would not let anyone leave empty-handed in the morning, afternoon, or evening. For devotees leaving Shirdi, receiving Udi held special significance. When Baba gave them the Udi, it was considered his true permission and blessing to depart, filling the devotees with enthusiasm for their journey back to their villages.