Showing posts with label Extras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Extras. Show all posts

Thursday, 5 June 2014

Significance of Amavasya



 
Amavasya, or Amavasi, is the name of new moon night in Hindu religion. It is the first night of the first quarter of the lunar month. Since the moon is invisible on the day, Amavasya is also referred as no moon night. Amavasi holds great importance in Hinduism. Many Hindus choose this day to make offering (tharpanam) to the dead ancestors. There is also an ongoing debate whether Amavasya is auspicious or inauspicious.
The term Amavasya is commonly used in all regional languages in India. The fortnight that starts with Amavasya is also referred as the Shukla paksha (bright half of the month). Mauni Amavasya in Hindu Magh month (January February) and Mahalya Amvasya in Ashwayuja (September  October) are highly auspicious. In some regions people observe partial fast (Upvaas) or a complete fast on the day.
Thanks to mainstream Indian movies, Amavasya is considered the ideal day to perform black magic and evil acts. Since there is no moon, Amavasya night is pitch dark and this provides the ideal setting to invoke evil powers.
Earlier it was advised not to travel on an Amavasya night. The logic being that there is no moonlight and this could invite lot of hardship and danger.
Many astrologers advise against performing any important ceremony on the day as moon and important planet in Hindu astrology is not visible. In some regions, people do perform certain auspicious deeds on the day. But largely no new beginnings or important ceremonies are held on the day.
Symbolically, the period from Amavasya to Purnima (full moon) is considered to be the gradual awakening and transcendence into the fullness. From darkness to the gradual realization of the Supreme Soul.
According to the Vishnu Dharma Shastra, Amavasya is the day for the pitrus, or souls of the forefathers. This day is dedicated to the remembrance or worship of the forefathers.
The Legends elucidates it in a story of Acchoda.

Acchoda
Acchoda, was the mentally conceived daughter of the Barhishadhas. Barhishadhas are those who live on the divine soma juice. Acchoda did not have a father, so she constantly desired for a real father. As a result of her yearning for a mortal She lost all her divine and yogic powers and fell from Heaven.
 
Pitru loka
While she was falling she prayed to be saved. The souls from the pitru loka (the world of the forefathers) heard her appeal, when she was passing through their pitru loka. They immediately came to her rescue. After hearing her story, they advised her to be born as King Amavasu's daughter. King Amavasu was a radiant, prudent and erudite man.
Later on things occurred as the pitrus formulated. Acchoda in the mean time regained her powers. In order to show her gratitude to the humble Pitrus a ceremony was conducted by Acchoda for the Pitrus.
 
King Amavasu
Amavasya is named after King Amavasu. And the custom of honoring our forefathers continues till this date. This custom is called as pitru karma. Pitru Karma is a plea by this generation to their forefathers to eliminate and safeguard them from any impediments. It is also a way to get blessing from their forefathers.
Poorna kriya
Amavaysa is also known to be significant for many reasons. People conduct poorna kriya on Amavasya. This is generally connected with the birth of twins. This ceremony brings contentment and tranquility to the twins.

Somavati Amavasya
Somavati Amavasya or Somavara Amavasya is associated with the new moon which occurs on a Monday. Monday or Somawar is a moon's day. It is an auspicious day for observing the somavara Amavasya Vrata or fast, for the longevity of their spouses.
 
Saamba Parameshware Pooja
According to the Puranas Shiva is supposed to be worshipped through the Saamba Parameshware Pooja since the moon stopped it's waning process when it came near Shiva, endangering the lives of those who meditate on him.
Contradictory to the fact that those who worship the Surya (sun) recognize Amavasya to be powerful and auspicious, while moon-worshippers understand the day as unsuitable






Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Drugstores

German Pharmacy Vs Drug Store

The first thing you will notice about the German pharmacy or Apotheke, is that they are not like the drugstores back home. They do not sell the latest in video technologies or the brand new-up-to-date carpet cleaner. No. German pharmacies sell medications and only medications.



Apotheken (plural for Apotheke) sell prescription drugs and over the counter medications, although you will see much of the "over-the-counter" drugs in sealed display cases. You have to ask the pharmacist for what you want, you can not pick it up for yourself. Even Aspirin.
In every street, you will find a pharmacy, named by the name of the street itself.  I will list out few links below. .
 1. Europe Apotheke
 2.Löwen Apotheke
 3.Kleefelder Apotheke
 4.Delfin Apotheke
 5.Apotheke in Marktkauf
 6. Flora Apotheke
 7.Leibniz Apotheke


 Which, by the way, you can also find in what is called a Drogerie, or Drugstor, not to be confused with the Pharmacy. Drogeries don't really have an equivalent in other countries.
The German Drugstore is a shop where you can buy products for body care (such as shampoo and tooth paste), cosmetics but also house cleaners and diet snacks. I do buy in these two stores. .  Just Click the pics, it will get forwarded to the online website. You can choose your nearest shop by giving your pincode. .
     
http://www.dm.de/de_homepage/
DM


http://www.rossmann.de/verbraucherportal/services/filialsuche/hannover.html
ROSSMANN
      

German Grocery Stores

Buying Groceries (Lebensmittel)

The first thing a foreigner notices in a German supermarket is a more limited selection of brands and products. (The selection in Switzerland and Austria can be even more limited.) While a native supermarket may offer 20-30 different breakfast cereals, a German one may only have a dozen or so (including a few you’ve never seen before!). On the other hand, German grocery stores usually offer a wider selection of cheeses, meats, bread varieties and other foods, although many Germans still prefer going to a butcher shop (Metzgerei), a bakery (Bäckerei) or pastry shop (Konditorei) for such things.
The second thing you may notice is that the checkout clerks are seated at their cash registers rather than standing. Checkout (die Kasse) in a German grocery store is much like that in the countries, with laser scanners, etc. But you may feel rushed as you try to pay and bag all your groceries yourself! (That is not the cashier’s job and baggers are extremely rare.) The next customer in your checkout lane will soon be shoving his or her way into your space. And don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag – or you’ll have to pay for one. you can click the images, for online links of the shops.


http://www.aldi-nord.de/
ALDI

http://www.rewe.de/
REWE

KAUFLAND

More grocery store differences:
  • Credit cards (Kreditkarten) Very few German grocery stores (or any stores for that matter) accept credit card payment, and then only in tourist areas or at larger stores. Most will accept the EC bank card (which requires a German bank account), but your best bet is plain old cash. There’s usually an ATM (Geldautomat) in the store.
  • Shopping carts: You’ll need a one-euro coin for the shopping cart deposit. (The smaller plastic baskets don’t require any deposit.) Just insert the coin into the slot to unlock the cart. When you return the cart, you get your coin back.
  • Weighing veggies/fruit: Many grocery stores require you to weigh and bag fruits and vegetables on a scale in that department before you go to the checkout stand. Some stores have scales at the registers, but you still usually need to put your items in a plastic bag.
  • Organic/natural foods: Germans are big on “Bio” (natural/organic), and you will find a good selection of organically grown food in German supermarkets and Bioläden.
  • Bottle return (Leergut) Most of the beverage glass and plastic bottles you get in Germany/Europe have a deposit value that you can get back by returning them to any market (not necessarily the one where you bought them). Kaiser’s and some other grocery chains have automated machines that scan each bottle and determine the deposit value. You get a ticket (Bon) with the total amount, which you give to the cashier at checkout to get your cash.
  • Real orange juice (direkt gepresst): Most Germans drink the normal bottled orange stuff they call orange juice (Orangensaft) – but really isn’t and tastes like crap. If you want the real thing, you have to make your own or go to the refrigerated section and look for cartons labeled “direkt gepresst” (directly squeezed, sometimes found in a special glass-door fridge). Other juices are also available direkt gepresst as well.
    https://www.netto-online.de/Filial-Angebote.chtm
    NETTO

    http://www.marktkauf.de/marktkauf/de/index.html
    MARKTKAUF

    http://www.real.de/
    REAL

    http://www.edeka.de/EDEKA/de/edeka_zentrale/homepage.jsp
    EDEKA
    http://www.penny.de/
    PENNY MARKT
http://www.lidl.de/
LIDL

Indian Provisions/ Grocery stores








This is another great search for us. . Dont worry, i can help u with what i know. .



In these shops you can purchase all sort of pulses (dal), atta, basmati rice, spices, mangoes and fresh vegetables (e.g Karela, Bhindi, Ghia etc……)




Vinay Vermani
Indian spices and specialities
Höltystr. 1 / Eingang Marienstraße
30171 Hannover
Tel.: 0511/363 17 11
website : http://www.indiahousehannover.com/welcome-to-india-house.html
Google Maps :http://bit.ly/gc1yei





Asia Afro Angadi
Vahrenwalder Str.175
30165 Hannover
Tel. 0511/3574280
website: -
 Google Maps : https://www.google.com.sg/maps/@52.402151,9.73545,3a,75y,265.58h,91.6t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sRrGt74dVChhVtnezquVHuw!2e0!6m1!1e1?hl=en




I.SHOP
Andreaestraße 8-9
30159 Hannover
Mo-Fr 9.30-19.00 Uhr und
Sa. 9.30 - 18.00 Uhr
website : http://www.i-shop-now.de/cms/
google Maps : https://www.google.com.sg/maps/@52.376474,9.736938,3a,75y,226.36h,103.13t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sEh26UZJsLc2PpP-6SpfkLA!2e0!6m1!1e1?hl=en





Sightseeing Hannover

Hanover or Hannover, on the River Leine, is the capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany and was once by personal union the family seat of the Hanoverian Kings of Great Britain, under their title as the dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg (later described as the Elector of Hanover). At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the Electorate was enlarged to become the capital of the Kingdom of Hanover. Hanover is located 177 miles (285 km) west of Berlin, 94 miles (151 km) south of Hamburg, 392 miles (631 km) north of Munich, and 85 miles (137 km) east of Osnabrück.


Tourist Information on Hannover :

http://www.hannover.de/Tourismus/Messen-Kongresse/Messeservice/Tourist-Information-Hannover

Tourist Info Icon

Places that I visited : (ALL PICS WERE TAKEN WITH CANON 550

1. Muthumariamman Temple

 Website : http://www.amman-tempel-hannover.de
FaceBook Page :https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sri-Muthumariamman-Tempel-Hannover/208168515952175https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sri-Muthumariamman-Tempel-Hannover/208168515952175

2. Herrenhausen Garten


The Great Garden has always been one of the most distinguished baroque formal gardens of Europe while the Berggarten has been transformed over the years from a simple vegetable garden into a large botanical garden with its own attractions. Both the Georgengarten and the Welfengarten have been made in the style of English gardens, and both are considered popular recreation areas for the residents of Hanover. The history of the gardens spans several centuries, and they remain a popular attraction to this day.


3.Maschsee

The Maschsee is an artificial lake situated south of the city centre of Hanover in Germany. Spanning an area of 78 hectares, it is the largest body of water within the capital of Lower Saxony. The lake is a popular recreation area as well as a venue for numerous water sports.

Website Page : http://www.hannover.de/en/Welcome-to-Hannover/Tourism-Culture/Places-of-Interest-City-Tours/Tourist-Highlights/Maschsee-Lake
FaceBook page : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maschsee/106117952753044?rf=103787546326288


4. Hannover Zoo

Hanover Zoo is the fifth oldest German zoo. It was established in 1865 with private money. To cover expenses, a stock company was founded. Without any experience in the keeping of wild animals, the company faced huge difficulties and, thus, losses. Nonetheless, it was well visited by local residents.

 

Website : http://www.zoo-hannover.de/

FaceBook Page : https://www.facebook.com/hannoverzoo

 

 

 

5.Eilenreide  

The Eilenriede is a 640-hectare (1,600-acre) inner-city park located within Hanover, Germany. It is one of Europe's largest urban parks, and is also known locally as "grüne Lunge" meaning "green lung". The connected forest area is one of the biggest inner-city forest areas in Europe.

Website : http://www.niedersachsen-tourism.com/eilenriede-in-hannover-1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eilenriede/141127882628653

http://www.niedersachsen-tourism.com/eilenriede-in-hannover-1
Eilenreide
http://www.niedersachsen-tourism.com/eilenriede-in-hannover-1
Eilenreide

6. Markt Kirche

Visible from afar welcomes the landmark Church of Hanover. She is a guest house of God open to the citizens of the city and visitors from around the world. We invite you, as your personal place to discover our church.
Explore its over 750 years of history. Experience in church services or concerts, which is of particular importance of music in the church market. Let through a variety of events arouse your curiosity. Get to know the life of the community. Find your space for worship and prayer. Visit a great church.
The Market Church, Hanover is preaching place of the country's bishop and the city superintendent , Church Council and Church of the Diet.
Two more Old Town churches belong to the community of the Market Church: Holy Cross Church and Aegidienkirche

Website :http://marktkirche-hannover.de/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marktkirche-Hanover/338633919494801?ref=br_tf&rf=134548286592685 

http://marktkirche-hannover.de/

Markt Kirche


http://marktkirche-hannover.de/

Markt Kirche

7.Sea life 



Ein Hai und eine Schildkröte schwimmen im Wasser.
The Sea Life Hannover is home to over 3,500 animals from over 160 species in 37 fascinating pool.
In the lovely Royal Gardens invites the Grand Aquarium Sea Life Hannover with fascinating underwater worlds, exotic plants and annually changing special exhibitions to visit. Special highlights in addition to the animals themselves, the daily feeding and entertaining lectures.
Whether starfish and crabs up close on the interactive touch pool, the rain forests of tropical plants cathedral or a walk on the glass Crocodile Bridge (new in 2012) - the Sea Life Hannover offers over 3,500 animals from over 160 species in 37 fascinating pool a appropriate habitat. A worthwhile excursion for children, adults and familie
 Website : www.sealife.de .

German as Friend Language

Are you looking for an exciting and comprehensive German language course?
Do you want to learn German in Germany?
In small international groups?
With experienced and committed teachers?

I dont know how many of them have done this before. . A blog page/post containing info about basic learning of German languague. When was new at Hanover, I searched for german learning school and the contacts. I went to almost all of these schools to register myself and my LO for the course and still searching for my next level. In this post, am going to post basic info of schools through out Hanover, so that this is going to be one stop for your search


Before that you got to know the course levels in learning german and examination details. .

Whether you want to learn German for everyday life, your job, to study at a German university, or just out of interest . Select the program with the focus that most closely matches your goals: Most of the German courses are designed for all levels from beginners to advanced learners.
  • The German-Course with the language level A1 (total beginner) has two parts: A1.1 and A1.2
  • The German-Course with the language level A2 (advanced beginner) has two parts: A2.1 and A2.2 The German-Course for the language level B1 (medium level, communicative level) consists of two parts: B1.1 and B1.2
  • The German-Course for the language level B2 (medium level, advanced communicative level) is divided into two parts: B2.1 and B2.2
  • German-Courses for the language level C1 (advanced level) and C2 (native speaker level)

Placement test:

After a written assessment test and an oral assessment interview you are placed in the appropriate level.
The written assessment test takes approximately 60 minutes and covers grammar, reading comprehension and writing skills.

Course levels:

A1

You have little knowledge of German. You learn how to make simple enquiries in speaking and writing, and to give instructions. You build on your basic grammar skills and increase your vocabulary.






Prerequisites: 4 weeks of Beginner course or basic knowledge of German: ability to introduce oneself and talk about simple everyday situations.
Grammatical prerequisites: The student has little knowledge of German, for example the ability to introduce oneself and talk about simple everyday situations.
Outline of course content: He/she learns how to make simple enquiries in speaking and writing and to give instructions, builds on his/her basic grammar skills and increases his/her vocabulary. The following language functions are among those practised: asking the way; giving directions; asking for and giving information; discussing home and the household; describing people and their character; defining shape, size and colour of objects; asking for and giving opinions; the working world; returning faulty goods to a shop.
Certificate: Optional: "A1 Grundstufe Deutsch 1".

A2

You have some knowledge of German. You learn how to express yourself adequately in familiar, everyday situations and to read and understand simple texts.






Prerequisites: 8 weeks of Beginner and Elementary 1 course or good basic knowledge of German: ability to talk about everyday situations, ask the way and give simple descriptions.
Grammatical prerequisites: Imperfect tense, Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative, Adjective declension, simple Subordinate Clauses, simple Prepositions.
Outline of course content: The student has some knowledge of German. He/she learns how to express him/herself adequately in familiar, everyday situations and to read and understand simple texts. Main course topics include: holidays and travel, living abroad, nature and the environment, family, the generation problem, population, living, the concept of home, news, politics, radio programmes.
Certificate: Optional: "ÖSD A2 Grundstufe Deutsch 2".

B1

Your basic German skills are incomplete. You consolidate and revise basic grammar structures, and learn to lead discussions on interesting topics.






Prerequisites: 12 weeks of Beginner, Elementary 1 & 2 course or very good basic knowledge of German. Understanding of everyday spoken and written situations, ability to communicate in day-to-day contexts.
Grammatical prerequisites: Imperfect tense, Perfect tense, Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative, Adjective declension, Subordinate Clauses, direct and indirect Subordinate Clauses, Prepositions.
Outline of course content: After completing Elementary 3 the student should have a basic command of the fundamentals of German grammar and be in the position to participate in simple discussions and to understand simple texts, including the main points of short press articles. He/she consolidates and revises basic grammar structures and learns to discuss interesting topics. Main topics include: Travel & tourism, employment and the working world, school, education, history, politics & culture, literature.
Certificate: Optional: "B1 Zertifikat Deutsch".

B2

You have a command of the essentials of German. You practise reading, writing and discussing difficult topics and work-related issues.








Grammatical prerequisites: Basic command of the essentials of German grammar, in particular all tense forms, Present and Imperfect Subjunctive, Passive, Adjective declension, Subordinate Clauses & sentence structure.
Outline of course content: The student should learn to express him/herself fluently about a variety of moderately difficult topics and without preparation. He/she learns to express his/her opinion, to state his/her views, to discuss, analyse and interpret simpler texts, to summarize them and give an account of them. The basic grammatical structures are revised again and consolidated on an intermediate level. The prerequisite is a command of basic grammar!
Certificate: Optional after completing the course level: "ÖSD – B2 Mittelstufe Deutsch".

C1

You have a good command of German. You learn to express yourself clearly both in speaking and writing on a large number of topics and to understand almost all texts.






Prerequisites: 28 weeks of Beginner, Elementary 1, 2 & 3 and Intermediate course or a very good knowledge of German: problem-free and fluent communication in everyday situations, understanding of newspaper articles and films, ability to converse on a number of topics. Comprehensive and sound command of the language and use of a large range of language devices.
Grammatical prerequisites: The student must have a good command of German grammar, all tense forms, all applications of the Present and Imperfect Subjunctive, Subordination, Participle Constructions, Prepositions.
Outline of course content: The student has a good command of German. He/she learns to express him/herself clearly both in speaking and writing on a large number of topics and to understand almost all texts. For example: Art: fine arts - interviews given by artists - interpretation of art, learning German: experiences and problems in assimilating a foreign language, sports, Austrian regional studies, Austria-Germany-Switzerland comparison, use of different types of text, literature (poetry).
Certificate: Optional after completing the course level: "ÖSD– C1 Oberstufe Deutsch".

C2

You can express yourself fluently in German. You work on literary, socio-political, cultural and scientific topics.






Prerequisites: 36 weeks of Beginner, Elementary 1, 2 & 3 and Intermediate course or excellent knowledge of German: problem-free and fluent communication in situations of all kind, understanding of complex written and oral passages of all kind, the ability to discuss complex topics. Comprehensive and sound command of German and use of a large range of language devices.
Grammatical prerequisites: The student must have a very good command of German grammar.
Outline of course content: The student can express him/herself fluently in German. He/she works on literary, sociopolitical, cultural and scientific topics.
Certificate: Optional after completing the course level: "C2 Wirtschaftssprache Deutsch".
*The expression in brackets refers to the Common European Framework of Reference as issued by the European Commission that is the basis for the advancement of European multilingualism.


1.VHS(Volks Hoch Schule)



Herausgeber:
Ada-und-Theodor-Lessing-Volkshochschule Hannover
Theodor-Lessing-Platz 1
30159 Hannover
Tel.: 0511 /168 - 44783
Fax: 0511 /168 - 41532
Fax: 0511 /168 - 41527
Internet: www.vhs-hannover.de
Email: info@vhs-hannover.de
Facebook Page : -

  2. DIYALOG SPRACHE UND NACH HILFE SCHULE


They are a young company that has set itself the target to respond with competent advice and individual service tailored to your needs and to fulfill them quickly and to your complete satisfaction.They will help you to consistently find your way in the thicket of information, advice and offers. They find it for you quickly and professionally the appropriate language course. 

This is where, I got my B1. . A very good choice for a beginner. .



They are the teaching Faculty. Still few staffs are missing :) . . To the Left extreme is our Secretary, Mrs.Fatma Colak . .
http://www.diyalogcenter.de/ . . This is the website
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diyalog-Sprach-und-Nachhilfeschule/160331244061149 is the FB page. .

Address:
Fatma Colak
Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 26-28
30159 Hannover 

Telefon: 0511 5360307
E-Mail: info@diyalogcenter.de

 3. INLINGUA 


The inlingua Hanover for over 40 years your competent partner for foreign languages.

Nestled in the city, only 5 minutes from the main train station and in the immediate vicinity of the shopping streets in the pedestrian area our team in modern and comfortably furnished rooms.
I completed my B2 and C1 here. The faculty are so friendly and standard of their teaching is so good.



You can find them at : http://www.inlingua-hannover.de/
in Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/inlinguahannover.de

Address :

Inlingua®
Sprachschule Hannover GmbH
Andreaestraße 3
Ecke Schillerstraße
D-30159 Hannover
E-mail: info(at)inlingua-hannover.de



4. BILDUNGSVEREIN 



The institution is from 1981. They carry out courses, weekend seminars, workshops and training leave. In every year over 1,400 training events, they offer a comprehensive continuing education in the areas of professional and IT; languages; Rhetoric and Communication; Culture and society; Body, soul and pleasure. Also, lectures, exhibitions and other special events are part of what they offer.

You can find them at : https://www.bildungsverein.de/
FB page : https://www.facebook.com/BildungsvereinHannover

Address : 
Wedekindstr. 14
30161 Hannover
Telefon: 0511 / 344 144
Fax: 0511 / 33 87 98 - 42
E-Mail: info@bildungsverein.de

5. SPRACH AKADEMIE



 The company story of  Sprachakademie dates back to over 10 years ago. With the goal of teaching all those interested in the German language, you can trust us to intensively work towards written and oral exams.They offer German courses for beginner to advanced learners, for young and old, as well as integration courses and preparation courses for students in this field.

 Address :






Goseriede 12d (VerdiHöfe)
30159 Hannover

Tel.: +49 (511) - 71 0361
Fax: +49 (511) - 70 1892
info@sprachakademie.org

6.ISK

(Institut für Sprachen und Kommunication)



They have been working successfully as an independent language school for German as a foreign language and as a professional provider of language courses for firms since 1997.
















Website : http://isk-hannover.de/

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ISK-Hannover/344611815619538

Address:
Contact
Head Office
ISK-HANNOVER
LÜTZOWSTRAßE 7
D-30159 HANNOVER
FON
FAX
+49 (0)511 123 563 60
+49 (0)511 123 563 61
Email-Adresse
EMAIL
Visiting time:
Monday to Friday 9.00-12.00 am
Monday to Thursday 3.00-6.00 pm