Kumaoni Proverbs.................

Kumaoni Proverbs known for their sarcasm were first collected by George Abraham Grierson in a book by the name "An Old Kumaun Satire" in the year 1901 published by the Royal Geographical Society. It contained poems of Krishna Pant who was a local writer and satirist. 

Kumaoni proverbs based on local knowledge and observation use sharp sarcasm and humour.

A

'Ati rukhyar rukh hun chhutunchh, ati tairak gaad hun bagachh.' 

"(अति रुख्यार रूख हूं छुटुछ अति तैरक गाड़ हूं बगछ)"

Literal: Even the most skillful climbers fall and the most skillful swimmers drown.

Overconfidence never pays.

'Aghain bamani bhaisain kheer.' 

"(अघैन बामणि भैंसेंन खीर)"

Literal: After having had to much of the kheer (a type of dessert) the brahmin's wife says that the kheer smells rancid.

Criticising something after one has made full use of it

'Apun bakhat paani hain patal.'

"(अपुण बखत पानी हैं पतल)"

Literal: When his self-interests are involved he is more fluid than water.

Describes an opportunistic person.

'Aphi to jogi bagi ro chhi auran ke khvar mein haath.' 

"(आफिं तो जोगी बग रो छि औरन के ख्वर में हाथ)"

Literal: The drowning Jogi (Holyman) is blessing others.

You cannot help others if you are in need of help yourself

G

'Ghar pinau ban pinau mamak ghar gyun vaan baar haath laam pinau.' 

"(घर पिनाऊ बण पिनाऊ मामाक घर ग्युं वां बार हाथ लाम पिनाऊ)"

Literal: All there was to eat at home was 'Pinau' (a kind of vegetable), I went the forest all i could find was the same to break this monotony I went to my Uncle's house and he started cooking a 12 hand long 'Pinau'

You can't escape Fate no matter where you go.

M

'Madu fukol aphin dikhol.' 

"(मडू फुकोल आफिं दिखोल)"

Literal: When the crop shall catch fire everyone shall notice.

Big events need no publicity.

P

'Petek rit mukhek tit.' 

"(पेटेक रित मुखेक तित)"

Literal: A person with a bitter tongue often stays hungry.

Straight forwardness does not please anyone.

R

'Raajak kar chaumaasek jvar' 

"(राजाक कर चौमासेक ज्वर)"

Literal: The King's tax is vigorous fever

You can't evade taxes very easily.

S

'Sab ne ted myor le ghed.' 

"(सब ऩे तेड़, म्योर ले घेड़)"

Literal: When everyone was using his physical strength (to climb the mountain) all i had was my stick 

To make great effort when there is absence of natural ability.

'Syapak kaatik jyod hain daraachh.'

"(स्यांपक काटिक ज्योड़ हैं डरछ)"

Literal: One who has been bitten by a snake is afraid of even a rope.

Y

'Ya to mer jyo ho ya main teri naak kaatun.' 

"(या तो मेर ज्यौ हो या मैं तेरी नाक काटूँ)"

Literal: Either be my wife or i'll disfiguire your face.

A situation in which each choice is as unappealing as the other.