INVC News
Haridwar, Kashi : Kokila Vrat is a religious observance that takes place on the full moon day (Purnima) during the lunar month of Ashadha. It is associated with the belief that the Vrat should be observed in years when there is an intercalary Ashadha month, meaning an extra month inserted in the lunar calendar. This belief is primarily followed in North Indian states. However, in some regions, particularly in Southern and Western parts of India, Kokila Vrat is performed annually on Ashadha Purnima, regardless of whether it is a leap year.
In 2023, Kokila Vrat is scheduled to be observed on Sunday, July 2nd. The auspicious time for performing the Kokila Vrat Pradosh Puja is from 08:21 PM to 09:24 PM, with a duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes. The Purnima Tithi begins on July 2, 2023, at 08:21 PM and ends on July 3, 2023, at 05:08 PM.
Kokila Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. The name “Kokila” refers to the Indian bird cuckoo, which is associated with Goddess Sati. According to legends, after immolating herself due to her father’s insult towards Lord Shiva, Goddess Sati spent 1000 celestial years as a cuckoo before regaining her original form and merging with Lord Shiva.
The observance of Kokila Vrat is primarily undertaken by women. In some regions, the Vrat is observed for a month, starting from Ashadha Purnima and concluding on Shravan Purnima. During the Kokila fasting period, women wake up early and bathe in nearby rivers or water bodies. Afterward, they create an idol of a cuckoo using clay and worship it.
It is believed that women who observe Kokila Vrat will be blessed with a lifelong married life (Akhand Saubhagyavati), meaning they will never experience widowhood and will pass away before their husbands. Additionally, it is believed that worshiping the clay idol of the cuckoo during Kokila Vrat helps in finding a loving and caring husband.
Please note that the information provided here is based on traditional beliefs and practices associated with Kokila Vrat.
