What were Sai Baba's personal preparations and rituals right before he left the Masjid for the Chavadi?

Before departing for the Chavadi, Sai Baba undertook a specific set of actions. As detailed in Chapter 37, He would be wearing His usual kafni, with His short stick (satka) tucked under His arm and carrying His tobacco and pipe (chilim). Tatya Patil would then place a golden-bordered shawl over Him. Just before setting out, Baba performed a peculiar ritual: He would go to a bundle of firewood, move His right big toe at that spot for a moment, and then wave His right hand over the burning flame there to extinguish it. Only after completing this act would He begin the procession.