Who was Damu Anna and what was his role in the Shirdi Ram Navami festival?

Damu Anna was a devotee of Sai Baba, described in Chapter 25 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra as a well-to-do Kasar, or bronze-smith, from Ahmednagar. He was deeply devoted to Sai's feet. His significant role in Shirdi's traditions involved the annual Ram Navami festival. As part of a long-standing vow carried out with love and devotion, Damu Anna would provide one of the two large new flags that were taken out in a procession through the village. The other flag was provided by the Nimonkars. This procession would start from the house of Kondaji Sutara and conclude with the banners being tied to the ends of the Masjid.