పలుచన పంట వేడుక, ఒత్తు చూపుల వేడుక

paluchana panta veduka, ottu chupula veduka

Translation

Sparse crop is a celebration for the harvest; dense crop is a celebration for the eyes.

Meaning

This proverb highlights a practical observation in farming. A sparse crop (pachuni panta) is easy to harvest and manage, making the work celebratory. Conversely, a dense, lush crop (ottu panta) is beautiful to look at and brings joy to the eyes, even if it requires more intensive labor during the harvest.

Related Phrases

Thinly spread pits are desired; thick haystacks are desired.

This is an agricultural proverb related to paddy cultivation. It suggests that when storing grain in underground pits (pathallu), it should be spread thinly to prevent spoilage or heat. Conversely, when stacking hay (vamulu), it should be packed tightly and thickly to ensure stability and space efficiency. It is used to describe the principle of doing the right thing in the right way according to the context.

Quarrelling in one's neighbour's house is pleasant to listen to.

This proverb is used to describe the human tendency to find interest or amusement in the problems or disputes of others, as long as they do not affect oneself. It highlights the schadenfreude or curiosity people have regarding private matters of their neighbors.

Do you need to search for the fragrance of Ippa flowers?

This expression refers to something that is obvious and doesn't require proof or searching. Just as the strong scent of Ippa flowers (Madhuca Longifolia) is instantly recognizable and fills the air without effort, certain truths or qualities are so evident that they do not need investigation or validation.

It is fun to sing a song one doesn't know, and fun to style a bald head.

This proverb describes a situation where someone enthusiastically attempts tasks they have no aptitude for or tries to manage resources that are non-existent. It is used to mock people who waste effort on futile, clumsy, or unnecessary actions just for the sake of appearances or out of ignorance.

A fight in the neighbor's house is as festive as a celebration.

This expression describes the human tendency to find entertainment or schadenfreude in the private conflicts or troubles of others. It is used to remark on people who enjoy gossiping or watching drama unfold in their neighborhood instead of minding their own business.

The fun of setting food before a man who has had his dinner, or of anointing a shaven head.

This proverb is used to describe redundant or useless efforts. Just as serving food to someone with a full stomach or attempting to groom a bald head provides no real benefit, performing actions where they are not needed is a waste of resources and time.

There is no price [ fixed ] for a show. i. e. you may remunerate performers as you please.

This proverb suggests that the joy or happiness derived from a celebration or a special occasion is invaluable and cannot be measured in monetary terms. It is often used to justify spending or effort for a festive event, emphasizing that the memories and happiness are worth more than the cost.

Serving a meal to one who has already eaten is like giving a head bath to a bald person.

This proverb describes redundant or futile actions. It highlights the absurdity of offering something to a person who neither needs it nor can benefit from it, emphasizing that such efforts are a complete waste of time and resources.

Celebration outside, garbage inside

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive or happy on the outside but is actually messy, corrupt, or unhappy on the inside. It highlights the contrast between outward appearances and the underlying reality.

Inviting someone who won't come is a celebration.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a grand or polite gesture knowing full well that it won't be accepted or fulfilled. It implies a sense of relief or hollow formality, where the host offers something for the sake of appearances because they are certain the other person will decline, thus saving the host from any real effort or expense.