Why was the Ram Navami Kirtan at Kavthe cancelled, and what was the 'good omen' that occurred when Balabuva discussed going to Shirdi?

The Ram Navami Kirtan at Kavthe was cancelled because a plague, referred to as 'Margi', struck the villagers. As a result, the village became empty, and Balabuva received letters telling him to come the following year. As described in Chapter 6, this cancellation of his usual service is what prompted him to seek an opportunity in Shirdi. While he was discussing his desire to go to Shirdi with Bhausahab Dixit, Kaka Mahajani arrived unexpectedly from Shirdi. Mahajani's timely arrival and distribution of Shirdi's Prasad and Udi was seen as a good omen for Balabuva's potential trip.