Can you provide a summary of the historical context and tradition of performing Parayans and Saptahs?

The practice of performing Parayans (devotional readings) and Saptahs (weekly recitations) is described as a very ancient tradition that dates back to the Vedic era. As Chapter 0 explains, this custom is not exclusive to Guru biographies. For centuries, Parayans and Saptahs have been performed for great Sanskrit works like the Vedas, Bhagavata, and Ramayana. This tradition also extends to revered Marathi works such as Shri Dnyaneshwari and Shri Dasbodh, which are considered texts of worldly and spiritual knowledge rather than biographies.