Question 1

When is Kokila Vratam observed?

Accepted Answer

Kokila Vratam falls on the Purnima, or full-moon tithi, of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha. The tithi current at sunrise governs the day, so the Gregorian date changes each year. This full moon is traditionally treated as the beginning of a vow that may continue until Shravana Purnima.

Question 2

Who keeps Kokila Vratam?

Accepted Answer

Kokila Vratam is traditionally associated with women, and Devi Parvati is worshipped in her kokila, or cuckoo, form. The vow is connected with happiness and saubhagya, meaning auspicious married well-being. Families may differ in who undertakes it and in the discipline followed during its month-long period.

Question 3

How long does Kokila Vratam last?

Accepted Answer

The traditional account describes a month-long observance beginning on Ashadha Purnima and ending on Shravana Purnima. The starting day is therefore important, but the vow is not necessarily completed on that same day. The exact closing ritual should follow the family or priestly tradition being observed.

Question 4

What should be eaten during Kokila Vratam?

Accepted Answer

There is no single fasting rule that can be stated confidently for every tradition of Kokila Vratam. Some households may prescribe a continuing dietary restraint, while others may use a particular fast on the opening or closing day. Follow the established family practice and seek guidance before beginning a month-long vow.

Question 5

How is Kokila Vratam performed?

Accepted Answer

Worship is directed to Devi Parvati as a kokila, or cuckoo. A household may use a cuckoo image or another accepted representation, offer flowers and ordinary puja items, and maintain the chosen vrata discipline. The distinctive golden-winged, jewelled form belongs to traditional descriptions and need not be available in every home.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Sun, 21 Jul, 2024	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 10 Jul, 2025	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 29 Jul, 2026	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 18 Jul, 2027	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 6 Jul, 2028	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 25 Jul, 2029	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 15 Jul, 2030	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 4 Jul, 2031	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 22 Jul, 2032	ShuklaPurnima	Ashadha	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Kokila Vratam

Dates by year