ఉంటే ఉగాది, లేకుంటే శివరాత్రి

Both Ekadashi and Shivaratri are days associated with ritual fasting. This expression is used to describe a situation where one destitute or needy person seeks help from another person who is equally poor or in the same miserable condition, resulting in no benefit for either.

This is a seasonal saying that highlights the arrival of specific agricultural produce during certain festivals. It signifies that by the time of Maha Shivaratri (late winter), cashew fruits are ripe and available, and by Ugadi (Telugu New Year/spring), it is the perfect time for making and consuming fresh mango pickles as the raw mangoes are ready.

This expression is used to describe someone who stays awake or works tirelessly for a single night or a very short period, and then behaves as if they have accomplished something monumental for a lifetime. It is often used sarcastically to mock people who exaggerate their small efforts or those who rarely work hard but make a big scene when they finally do.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb indicating that by the time of the Maha Shivaratri festival (usually in late February or early March), the young green mangoes on the trees should have grown to a significant size, comparable to small stone lingas. It serves as a seasonal marker for the growth of the mango crop.

This is a popular seasonal saying in Telugu culture indicating that the peak winter season ends with the Maha Shivaratri festival. It suggests that the intensity of the cold weather significantly diminishes after this day, marking the transition into spring and summer.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two equally needy, poor, or hungry people meet. Since both Shivaratri and Ekadashi involve strict fasting, one cannot offer food to the other. It signifies a scenario where one person seeks help from another who is in the same or worse predicament.

This is a popular Telugu saying indicating that the winter season officially ends and the weather starts warming up after the festival of Maha Shivaratri. It describes the seasonal transition from winter to spring.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of communication and social interaction. It suggests that if you do not speak or express yourself properly, you will not find a place for yourself in society or in a specific situation. It is often used to encourage people to speak up or to highlight that social status and inclusion are built through speech and reputation.

This expression is used to describe the change in weather during the transition from winter to summer. It signifies that by the time of the Maha Shivaratri festival, the winter chill significantly diminishes and only a tiny, negligible amount of cold remains.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).