Kokila Vrat

Kokila Vrat is observed around Ashadha Purnima and is linked in popular tradition with Goddess Sati and her rebirth as Parvati. One form of the legend says that after Sati gave up her body at Daksha's sacrifice, she remained in the form of a koel, or cuckoo, for a period before being born again as Parvati, daughter of Himalaya. The koel therefore became a symbol within the vrata, and women listen for or symbolically worship the bird while praying to Shiva and Parvati. The observance is associated with devotion, marital harmony and the resolve to cultivate patience and purity. In parts of western India, including Gujarat, the vrata may extend through a prescribed period around the monsoon season rather than being limited to a single brief puja. The story recalls Parvati's persistence in reuniting with Shiva and turns that steadfast devotion into the spiritual theme of the vrata.

Kokila Vrat is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.

A month rather than a day. Most keep one meal, and some take only fruit and milk, from Ashadh Purnima to the end of Shravan.