From Jaya Kishori to Neha Saraswat: How Much Do India’s Top Female Katha Vachaks Charge for a Single Event?

India’s spiritual landscape is enriched not only by renowned male Katha Vachaks, but also by several influential female storytellers who draw massive audiences across the country and abroad. Some of them charge fees running into lakhs, while others perform without taking any personal remuneration. Here is a look at India’s top 5 most popular female Katha Vachaks and how much they earn for a single event.

1. Jaya Kishori – ₹9 to ₹10 lakh per Katha

Among India’s most celebrated female Katha Vachaks, Jaya Kishori enjoys a vast global following. Her Bhagwat Katha draws thousands of devotees from India and overseas. A gifted storyteller and devotional singer, she brings the teachings and life of Lord Krishna alive for her audiences.
According to media reports, she charges ₹9–10 lakh for one Katha, taking around 50% in advance. She is also known for donating a large share of her earnings to support differently-abled individuals and charitable causes.

2. Devi Chitralekha – No Fees Charged

Another widely respected name is Devi Chitralekha, who began her spiritual journey at just six years old after training under Guru Giridhari Baba. In 2019, she was honored by the World Book of Records for her youth spiritual leadership.
Chitralekha does not charge any personal fees for her Kathas. She only accepts minimal support to cover the costs of her staff of 25–30 people.

3. Palak Mishra (Palak Kishori) – No Personal Fee

Known for her youthful charisma and devotional style similar to Jaya Kishori, Palak Mishra, originally named Shambhavi Mishra, started delivering Bhagwat Kathas at the age of 16 in 2021.
She, too, does not take any fees for herself, but only charges for musicians and staff who accompany her. Her growing popularity has made her one of the rising young voices in spiritual storytelling.

4. Devi Krishnapriya – Fee Not Publicly Known

A motivational speaker, devotional singer, and renowned Katha Vachika, Devi Krishnapriya began giving spiritual discourses at the age of 13. She conducts religious events not only in India but also in London, Singapore, Canada, and many other countries.
Information about her fees is not available in the public domain, but her demand for international events reflects her widespread influence.

5. Neha Saraswat – ₹3 lakh for a 7-Day Program

Neha Saraswat, widely known as Devi Neha Saraswat, has been promoting the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagwat Gita since the age of seven. Her Kathas primarily focus on the Bhagwat and Ramayana.
According to a 2017 report, she charges ₹3 lakh for a full 7-day Katha program, making her one of India’s respected and well-paid female spiritual narrators.