Goan Proverbs & Sayings
(Konkani: Opari ani Mhunn'eo)
Goan proverbs and sayings are often and generally quoted in passing conversation, in wit and humour, and in satire and sarcasm. They are often used to make a point and drive it home at the same time - as a Goan would use them figuratively to 'kator' someone (colloquially meaning as bringing someone 'in line'). These proverbs and sayings have been handed down from previous generations. There are also some variations in their text and quotation. No doubt every culture have their own, but the wit and meaning is best delivered in its own original phrase and form.
Saying in Konkani: 'Ghoribank nhuim tim Pompurbechi Festam'
(Literal translation: 'The feast of Pomburpa is not meant for the poor'.)
Applied connotation: It is wise not to bite more than what one can chew.
(Konkani: Opari ani Mhunn'eo)
Goan proverbs and sayings are often and generally quoted in passing conversation, in wit and humour, and in satire and sarcasm. They are often used to make a point and drive it home at the same time - as a Goan would use them figuratively to 'kator' someone (colloquially meaning as bringing someone 'in line'). These proverbs and sayings have been handed down from previous generations. There are also some variations in their text and quotation. No doubt every culture have their own, but the wit and meaning is best delivered in its own original phrase and form.
Saying in Konkani: 'Ghoribank nhuim tim Pompurbechi Festam'
(Literal translation: 'The feast of Pomburpa is not meant for the poor'.)
Applied connotation: It is wise not to bite more than what one can chew.
'Boats at Pomburpa' - Bardez, Goa, India.
Water-Colour by Tony Fernandes
Pomburpa is the name of a beautiful village in North Goa, India, located in the district of Bardez, along the tributary of Goa’s well-known river, Mandovi. One of the events that Pomburpa is well-known for is the feast that is celebrated annually with great pomp and fervour at the imposing church of Nossa Senhora de Candelaria, situated on its scenic river bank.
I recall when as a young boy my grandmother often quoted the above saying. In later years I remember accompanying my parents, travelling by the ‘carreira’ or ‘caminhao’ to Pomburpa to attend the grand feast. I was truly amazed in seeing the huge fair along the river bank. Surely then I did find for myself a lot of truth in the saying: 'Ghoribank nhuim tim Pompurbechi Festam' (Literal translation: 'The feast of Pomburpa is not meant for the poor'.)
Part of the celebration included the sale of furniture of all kinds – beds, folding dining tables, roof tiles from Mangalore, timber and bamboo from as far as the Malabar coast in Southern India, and of course there was a huge variety of sweets, food, drinks, a gamut of children's toys, and household provisions of all kinds. Hence it was obvious that one must have sufficient money to travel from far away if the intention was to purchase household furniture or other items at this acclaimed feast and legendary fair.
Part of the celebration included the sale of furniture of all kinds – beds, folding dining tables, roof tiles from Mangalore, timber and bamboo from as far as the Malabar coast in Southern India, and of course there was a huge variety of sweets, food, drinks, a gamut of children's toys, and household provisions of all kinds. Hence it was obvious that one must have sufficient money to travel from far away if the intention was to purchase household furniture or other items at this acclaimed feast and legendary fair.
So I guess this proverb is implied in a lighter vein in the sense that this grand feast was not meant for the poor, or that it is wise not to bite more than what one can chew.
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