Satya Narayan Katha (religious discourse) has a special place in the Hindu society. This ceremony is performed in order to invoke Almighty's Presence in one's home. The ceremony can be celebrated on any day but specially on Sankranti, Ekadashi, Amas or full-moon day. As there are no expenses involved, anyone whatever his financial status can perform this Katha. By performing it, sins are destroyed, the mind becomes peaceful and good relations are established. Anyone who conducts his/her life with truthfulness can achieve a peaceful mind and a pure life.
Satya Narayan Katha is performed by worship and puja of Lord Vishnu as the God of Truth. One who performs this worship fasts the whole day. He invites Brahmins to his house. A bower (mandap) of banana leaves is erected. It is decorated with fruits, leaves and other decorations. Satya Narayan's photo is kept on a bajot - a square bench in the middle of this mandap. A copper water jar (kalash) is kept near this photo. Mango leaves are kept in this kalash and a coconut is kept on top of these leaves. Satya Narayan's puja is performed by lighting a deepak (light) as well as with incense, fruits and tulsi leaves. A Brahmin-pandit begins the Katha or religious discourse and explains how a poor Brahmin and wood-cutter became happy and rich by performing Satya Narayan's vrat. This story explains that our wishes are fulfilled when we act with faith and maintain truthfulness under all circumstances. In this way, the story explains the greatness of truth and faith in one's life.
Prashad is distributed to the invited guests and the pandit at the end of the Katha. After this the one who has performed this ceremony breaks his fast. In life one has to be always alert in order to maintain truthfulness. Any auspicious work which we do with faith in God leads us on to the path of religion. We bow to Shree Satya Narayan who teaches us such lofty lessons.