Harikatha

Harikatha is a composite art form composed of storytelling, poetry, music, drama, dance, and philosophy most prevalent in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and ancient Tamil Nadu.

At its peak Harikatha was a popular medium of entertainment, which helped transmit cultural, educational and religious values to the masses.

Haridasus going round villages singing devotional songs is an age-old tradition during Dhanurmaasam preceding Sankranti festival.

Ajjada Adibhatla Narayana Dasu was the originator of the Telugu Harikatha tradition, and with his Kavyas and Prabandhas has made it a special art form.

[citation needed] Paruthiyur Krishna Sastri started out as a Harikatha exponent and then changed to Pravachan style.

[citation needed] One of the best harikatha renderings is on the life of saint Tyagaraja by Mullukutla Sadasiva Sastry from Tenali.