Ashadha Purnima / Kokila Brata

29 July 2026

Significance

The Purnima of the Ashadha month. While primarily known as Guru Purnima, in many regions women specifically observe the Kokila Brata on this day. Mythology states that Goddess Sati spent 10,000 years in the form of a cuckoo (Kokila) before being reborn as Parvati. Women observe this for a happy marriage.

Rituals & Customs

A clay or cow-dung idol of a cuckoo bird is made and worshipped alongside Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati using flowers, sandalwood, and vermilion. Taking a holy bath at dawn is essential.

Fasting Rules

Women observe a fast from the morning until they complete the puja of Shiva and Parvati. The fast is broken in the evening after offering Arghya to the full moon, followed by a Sattvic meal.

Auspicious Timing

Morning to afternoon during the Purnima tithi, and the time of moonrise for Arghya.

Consult an Astrologer