Who was Damu Anna and what was his specific connection to the Ram Navami festival in Shirdi?

Damu Anna was a wealthy bronze-smith (Kasar) from Ahmednagar who is described in Chapter 25 as a devotee deeply devoted to Sai Baba. His significant connection to the Ram Navami festival was a demonstration of his faith. For many years, he upheld a vow to provide one of the two large new flags that were carried in a procession through Shirdi village during the festival. The text mentions this was a regular vow carried out with 'uninterrupted love and devotion.' The other flag was provided by the Nimonkars, and these banners would be tied to the two ends of the Masjid.