The Ritual Process
The Katha is performed right after the Matkor and the Harish Gandhana ceremony. Katha is basically a recitation of stories from the Hindu Scriptures by the priests. Both the bride’s and bridegroom’s parents sit during the Katha as the Shrota or listener and as yajmaan or host. The most popular Kathas during the occasion of marriage is the Satyanarayan Swami Katha. It elaborates the Panch Nam or the five names of God.
Previously, the Katha was performed a little before the Haldi Vidhi, but nowadays it is performed earlier on the marriage day or the previous day. Hearing the Katha purifies the mind and strengthens the Sankalpa for marriage. The performance of Katha highlights the significance of Vrata or domestic life.