For most of his life, Manohar Netravalkar, now 82, knew exactly how to describe each seasonal phase in his homeland of Goa.
“September sun was known as ‘mar’ren vot’ or harsh sun, which aided the paddy harvest to dry. ‘Makkdancho paus’ was any rainfall which was sporadic, in fits and starts. ‘Magha paus’ was what was seen in December. It used to rain only in the evenings, and it was very light rainfall and would end soon,” recalls Netravalkar.