KUMAONI SAYINGS.....................................................

Kumaoni language has a number of very interesting and apt sayings. I will try and translate them into English and hope they do not loose their essence.

• JYITHJU BOL KE MARNI KAMARE TOD DINI.

(JYITHJU IS THE ELDER BROTHER OF YOUR HUSBAND)

It means that my Brother - in - law is always so sarcastic that when he speaks it seems that your spine hasfractured.

• KHET PAT HAREGE LASUN MEIN JOR.

The literal meaning is that a person has no knowledge of farming, but he only pays attention to grow garlic. 

• NIRBUDDHI RAJEKI KATHE KATH.

It means that there are a number of stories of a king who is an idiot.

• SASULE BUARI THHE KO, BUARIL KUKUR THHE KO, KUKURL PUCHEDI HELE DE.

Mother in law ordered her daughter in law, who in turn ordered the dog, who just wagged his tail. It means that if you leave the task to others it will never be

completed.

• ADDAIN BAMAN KE BHESEIN KHEER

It means that if Kheer (sweet rice) is served to a brahmin who has already over eaten , he will complain that the kheer smells of the buffalo. Brahmins in India are infamous for overeating. 

• MERI PAILAG TERI KATHAP.

It means that when I touch your feet (for paying obeisance), you just ignore me. (Good deeds not being reciprocated.) 

• DATULI APANE TARAF KATON.

It means that a sickle always cuts towards your self i.e. you will always take the side of your near ones.

• DADYAL GORUK LAAT SAINI PADANCH.

You have to tolerate the kicks of a cow who gives milk.

• JO GAON NI JAAN WEEK BAAT KE PUCHAIN.

It means there is no point in asking directions to a village where you do not intend going.

• AAG LAGE PANI DAURAN

It means running for water after burning down a place, i.e. trying to help after creating a problem.

• AEKE KHADAK PINALU.

It means sweet potato of same place, i.e. birds of the same feather.

• KUNAL KE DEKHENCHA MUNAL DEKHO.

It means do not waste time in seeing one's horoscope, see that persons persona.

• TUKE MEIN TAUR.

It means a discussion ending in bad blood.

• GHAREKE CHA BHADHAULI MEIN KHALA.

Since you are from the family you will not mind eating in the wok / pan.

• DAI KHANI WAL BHAJI GO PATAL CHATNI WAL HAAT PAD.

The person who stole the curd ran away but the one licking the plate was caught i.e. the actual culprit ran away and a fall guy was caught