Harikatha is a narration-based art form that combines story-telling, music and drama.
Stories from Indian mythological Epics such as the Mahabharata, Ramayan and Puranas
are depicted through Harikatha. In Andhra Pradesh, Adibhatla Narayana Das, a
multi-faceted literary legend and philosopher who lived in the 19th century was perhaps
the first to perform Harikatha in the Telugu language. It is believed that the participation
and witnessing of Harikatha cleanses one’s mind and existence itself.

The performer, V. Narayana Raju lives in Ratnalappali, a tiny hamlet outside
the historic temple town of Kadiri in Andhra Pradesh. Originally belonging to a family
of farmers and landowners, he has been practising his art for 25 years, performing
not only in Andhra Pradesh but in different parts of South India. His journey with Harikatha
started when he lost his mother and dedicated himself to the service of his revered Gurus.
It is here that he learnt 60 Kathas in this format and adopted it as his full-time occupation.
He is now training the new generation in his village to keep the Telugu Harikatha alive.