చిత్తలో తొలకరైతే తట్ట తగలెయ్యాలి

chittalo tolakaraite tatta tagaleyyali

Translation

If it rains during the Chitta star period, you might as well burn your basket.

Meaning

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. 'Chitta' is an auspicious lunar mansion (nakshatra) for rains. The saying suggests that if it rains during this specific period, the resulting harvest will be so poor or the drought so severe that a farmer won't even need a basket ('tatta') to carry the produce, implying total crop failure or a change in seasonal patterns.

Related Phrases

Rain during the Chitta star period falls wherever it pleases.

This proverb is based on agricultural observations regarding the 'Chitta' nakshatram (a specific period in the lunar calendar). It suggests that rainfall during this time is highly unpredictable and localized, falling in one spot while leaving a nearby area dry. It is used metaphorically to describe situations that are inconsistent, whimsical, or depend entirely on the unpredictable will of a person or nature.

If a leaf flutters in the Hasta nakshatra, not a drop will fall in the Chitta nakshatra.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to monsoon patterns. It suggests that if there is heavy wind during the 'Hasta' rain period (causing leaves to shake/flutter), it indicates a lack of moisture or a change in weather that prevents rains from occurring in the subsequent 'Chitta' period.

Slight drizzles or pitter-patter during the Chitta nakshatra.

This is an agricultural proverb related to the rainy season and the Chitta nakshatra (constellation). It implies that even small, scattered drizzles during this period are highly beneficial for the crops and the soil, signaling the transition of seasons.

After waiting and waiting, if one marries a digger (laborer), there will be head-washings (ceremonial or literal) for every basket carried.

This proverb describes a situation where someone waits a long time to make a choice, only to end up with a difficult or laborious situation. It specifically refers to the disappointment when a long-awaited decision results in unexpected hardships or constant, repetitive struggles.

In the Chitta solar mansion heat, even the heads of birds will shatter.

This is a popular Telugu saying referring to the Chitta Karthe (a specific period in the traditional solar calendar). It describes the extreme intensity of the heat during this period, suggesting it is so fierce that it can crack a bird's skull. It is used to caution people about severe weather conditions.

The rain in Chitta Nakshatram makes the heart swell with joy.

This is a traditional agricultural saying referring to the 'Chitta' monsoon period. It implies that light showers during this specific time are highly beneficial for crops, bringing immense happiness and prosperity to farmers.

The first monsoon rains are the mother to the sprouts.

This proverb highlights the vital importance of the first rains of the season for agriculture. Just as a mother nurtures and gives life to her children, the early monsoon rains provide the necessary moisture and life-force for seeds to germinate and young plants to grow. It is used to describe something that acts as a primary source of life, growth, or a successful beginning.

The rain of the Chitta star falls wherever it pleases.

This proverb refers to the Chitta Karthe (a specific period in the lunar calendar). It describes the unpredictable nature of rainfall during this time, which is often localized rather than widespread. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a person who acts solely according to their own whims and fancies, or situations where outcomes are highly selective and arbitrary.

If it's another's, it's as much as one can endure; if it's one's own, it's as much as a mountain.

This proverb describes double standards and hypocrisy. It refers to people who are very demanding, critical, or stingy when dealing with others' resources or problems, but become extremely sensitive, protective, or exaggerating when it involves their own property or effort.

If sown during the Chitta rain star period, you won't even get a handful of yield.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the Chitta Karthe (an astrological period). It suggests that crops sown during this specific time will not yield good results due to unfavorable weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of timing in farming.