In the month of August Governments of Telangana and AP celebrated 154th Anniversary of Harikath Pithamaha "Adibhatla Narayana Das". Harikatha is reminiscent of 1950-60's era for me. I was in my teens and thermal power project was just coming up in my native place Ramagundam. And the place was bustling with all kinds of people as establishment activities were in full swing around that time. My father who was sarpanch of that area facilitated the construction of a 'Veeranjaneya Temple". In this temple festivals like Ganesh Chathurthi, Dasara, and Rama Navami were organized by the locals with full fervour. During these festivals they used to call 'Haridasus' from Vijayawada, Guntur and Vemulawada. Couple of popular names popping up in my mind are Bezwada Nagarajakumari and Kesinagri Rajanna. The most popular art form at that time has almost vanished these days and current generation is totally unaware of this art form. 
Harikatha is an excellent blend of storytelling, music and dance, spiced up with jocular comments on the contemporary political and social scenario of the by-gone era. Infact it is an unique art form that reflects the culture and heritage of India in general and Telugus in particular. The Haridasus with their marvellous performance not only entertained but also educated and enlightened the people with with stories from our epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavatam and also lives of great Indian saints. It was delightful to watch Haridasus sing Padyams so mellifluously, dance so rhythmically narrating the stories so skill fully laced with relevant humorous anecdotes. And also commenting incisively on the contemporary social and political affairs of the state and nation, enthralling the audience. I still cherish those pleasant memories and now feel quite sad, about the disappearance of this great art form from our modern lives. It is time for both state and Central Govts to revive this art form through the Department of Culture and save it from extinction.