కనుమనాడు కాకిని అయినా కదలనీయరు

kanumanadu kakini ayina kadalaniyaru

Translation

On the day of Kanuma, even a crow is not allowed to move.

Meaning

This is a popular Telugu saying related to the third day of the Sankranti festival, called 'Kanuma'. It signifies that on this day, people should stay at home, rest, and avoid traveling. It emphasizes the cultural tradition where even animals (like the crow) are expected to remain still or within their territory, suggesting that no one should undertake long journeys or move away from their family and roots on this specific festive day.

Related Phrases

It doesn't let you cook and see, and it doesn't stop burning.

This expression is used to describe a problematic, irritable, or difficult person or situation that is constantly bothersome. It refers to a fire that is too smokey to allow cooking but too stubborn to go out, representing a state of constant annoyance that neither resolves nor allows progress.

Will a man who doesn't even shoo away a crow with a hand used for eating, give alms?

This proverb describes an extreme miser. It refers to someone so stingy that they wouldn't even flick a grain of rice from their hand to scare away a crow (because they don't want to lose even a tiny bit of food). It is used to mock people who are known to be uncharitable and selfish.

One must bite/eat black gram on Kanuma day

This is a traditional saying related to the Sankranti festival. Kanuma is the third day of the harvest festival, dedicated to cattle. It is a cultural custom to consume black gram (minumulu) in some form—usually as Vada or Garelu—on this day to ensure health and strength for the coming year.

On the day of Kanuma, even a crow does not travel.

Kanuma is the third day of the Sankranti festival, traditionally dedicated to staying home with family and cattle. This proverb emphasizes the importance of resting and remaining at home on this specific day; it implies that if even a restless bird like a crow stays put, humans certainly should not undertake any journeys.

A thief suspects everyone.

This expression means that a guilty person or someone who has committed a wrong is always paranoid and suspicious that others around them are judging them or are aware of their secret. It is used to describe how a person's own conscience makes them feel insecure and distrustful of others.

On Kanumu day, even a crow takes a dip.

This proverb refers to the third day of the Sankranti festival, called Kanumu. It highlights the tradition and belief that taking a ritual bath on this day is so essential that even a crow (known for its quick baths) dives deep into water. It is used to emphasize the importance of cleanliness or completing a task thoroughly on a specific auspicious day.

On the day of Kanuma, even a crow does not venture out.

This expression refers to the Kanuma festival (the third day of Sankranti), which is traditionally a day for rest, family gatherings, and staying indoors after the main festivities. It signifies that the day is so quiet or culturally significant for staying home that even birds are imagined to be resting.

The scrupulosity of a Śaiva priest. The Tambaḷas are a class of Śûdra priests who wear the sacred thread, and endeavour to observe Brahminical customs. Applied to foolish scruples.

This expression refers to excessive or unnecessary suspicion. It originates from a folklore where a priest (Tambala) remains suspicious of others' intentions even when things are straightforward, leading to self-created anxiety or complications. It is used to describe a person who doubts everything despite having no valid reason.

Though the gold were his mother's, the goldsmith would not stick at stealing it.

This proverb is used to describe an ingrained habit or professional trait that transcends personal relationships. It suggests that certain people cannot change their nature or 'tricks of the trade' even when dealing with their closest kin. It is often cited when someone acts according to their reputation or habit despite the circumstances.

In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit

This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.