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

Damu Anna was a wealthy bronze-smith (Kasar) from Ahmednagar who is described in Chapter 25 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra as a devoted follower of Sai Baba. His specific role in the annual Ram Navami festival in Shirdi was quite significant and a matter of a long-standing vow. Along with the Nimonkars, Damu Anna was responsible for providing one of the two large new flags that were taken out in a procession through the village. The text notes that this vow was carried out for many years with uninterrupted love and devotion. These flags would be taken in a procession with musical instruments from the house of Kondaji Sutara and ultimately tied to the two ends of the Masjid, demonstrating his public and consistent devotion.