మఖ పంచకము సదా పంచకము

makha panchakamu sada panchakamu

Translation

Five days of Makha (rain) equals five months (of water/benefit).

Meaning

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It means that if it rains during the 'Makha' Karti (a specific period in the lunar calendar), the water received in those five days is as beneficial and sufficient as five months of regular rainfall. It emphasizes the importance of timely rain for a good harvest.

Related Phrases

A sky calendar.

This expression refers to baseless predictions, guesswork, or 'building castles in the air.' It is used to describe someone who makes claims or plans without any solid foundation or evidence, similar to predicting the future by simply staring at the sky without actual astronomical data.

A fanciful tale.

Five good things, five bad things. Differently interpreted to mean five good and five bad qualities ; the five senses applied to good and to bad uses, &c.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an equal mix of positive and negative outcomes. It highlights the dual nature of life or a specific event where success and failure, or joy and sorrow, occur simultaneously in equal measure.

A dispute with the wife is Ramayanam; a dispute with the partners is Bharatam.

This proverb highlights the endless and complex nature of certain conflicts. Disputes with one's spouse (Ramayanam) are often long-winded and emotional, while disputes regarding property or inheritance among partners/relatives (Bharatam) are intense and destructive. It is used to describe household or familial conflicts that seem never-ending.

Don't count/calculate; you will end up sharing.

This expression is used to warn someone against being overly calculating, greedy, or fastidious about portions or shares. It suggests that when you try to calculate or scrutinize too much (often out of selfishness), you will inevitably be forced to share it with others or lose a portion of it anyway. It serves as a reminder that excessive calculation often leads to unexpected redistribution.

Multiple leaders, a child leader, or a woman leader.

This traditional proverb suggests that a kingdom, organization, or family will face downfall if it is led by too many people (causing chaos), an immature child (lacking wisdom), or a woman (reflecting historical patriarchal views on leadership). It is used to describe situations where leadership is fragmented or perceived as weak.

It is like the cooking of Nala and Bhîma. Said ironically to a bad cook.

This expression is used to describe food that is exceptionally delicious or exquisitely prepared. In Indian mythology, King Nala and Bhima (one of the Pandavas) were both legendary chefs known for their extraordinary culinary skills. When someone says a meal is like 'Nala-Bhima Pakamu', they are giving the highest possible compliment to the cook.

A small stick in the sweet syrup

This expression is used to describe a person or an obstacle that disrupts a smooth or pleasant situation. Similar to the English idiom 'a fly in the ointment', it refers to a minor but annoying interference that spoils the enjoyment of something good.

Sugar for the parrot, sugar for the ant

This expression describes a situation where a single act or resource benefits everyone involved, regardless of their status or size. It signifies impartiality, universal appeal, or a solution that satisfies diverse needs perfectly. In a broader sense, it refers to something being sweet or beneficial to all.

A play (drama) is what rectifies one's conduct.

This expression highlights the educational and reformative power of theater and art. It suggests that watching or performing in plays helps individuals observe human nature, distinguish between right and wrong, and ultimately refine their behavior and character.

Nala's cooking and Bhima's cooking

These terms refer to exceptionally delicious food or superior culinary skills. In Hindu mythology, King Nala and the Pandava prince Bhima were renowned for their extraordinary cooking abilities. It is used as a compliment to describe a meal that is expertly prepared and tastes divine.