Performing the Divine’s Narratives

Storytelling sessions based on sacred narratives called Kathā are a conspicuous feature of devotional Hinduism. Kathās are performed by exponents who belong to an ancient tradition of oral scholarship, and are variously called as Kathākāras, Kathāvācakas , and Kathā Vyāsa. By contextualising the wisdom of ancient rishis with contemporary and socially relevant content, the Kathākaras transform the site of the Kathā into a discursive space. They are revered as saints in India and have a massive following that also regards them as gurus . Utilising the Weberian concept of charisma, the present paper will therefore examine the factors that have been instrumental in establishing the venerable status of Kathākaras .