Birla Planetarium, Kolkata Overview

Kolkata's Birla Planetarium is a magnificent edifice set up by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 2nd July 1963. This one in Kolkata is one of the three planetariums present in India and is hailed as the largest of its kind in the world. Also known as Taramandal, the Birla Planetarium regularly hold many programs are in various languages including Hindi, English, Bengali, and other regional languages. The planetarium houses numerous innovations and creativity, giving out knowledge to its fellow visitors. 
A visit to the Birla Planetarium is perhaps one of the most innovative ways to ignite your interest in science and the motion of planets. People, especially the astronomy lovers, flock in from all over the world to experience the amazing shows which are organized here. Interestingly, Birla Planetarium makes use of equipment which is quite old and is no longer used in the newer facilities. A trip here includes a tour of the planets, where interesting details about them and the other interesting celestial bodies present in our universe are discussed. Silence rings loud while the show goes on, which in itself is a testament of the mesmerising effect of the shows here. Pictures of famous astronauts and other celestial bodies are put on display in the hallway. One can have a look at them after attending the show.



History of Birla Planetarium

The Birla Planetarium was founded in September 1962, while the edifice was formally inaugurated in July 1963 by the then Indian Prime Minister Pandit J. L. Nehru. It was a major step in the fields of education, research and the development of scientific temperament as it was the second planetarium to be established in a Commonwealth country and the first in India. Shows such as 'Zodiac signs and stars' on the various constellations in the sky, 'Journey to Antarctic', and the 'New View of the Solar System' are held here at regular intervals and pack a delightful combination of education with stellar visuals.

Architecture of Birla Planetarium

One of the interesting aspects if the Birla Planetarium is certainly its architecture. The style followed in the architecture of Birla Planetarium has been adopted from Sanchi Stupa and is quite prominent even from a distance. A splendid dome ornaments the zenith of the Birla Planetarium and shines with white brilliance. The dome has a diameter of 23 metres and can accommodate as many as 688 people. Planetarium projector present in the premises is of Carl Zeiss make and perfectly compliments the magnificent visuals of the various shows. Columns have been allocated across the circumference of the place, and one can easily compare it to a mini-Colosseum. Manicured gardens add a charming grace to the planetarium complex.

Show Timings at Birla Planetarium

A number of interesting and informative shows are conducted for visitors and their timings are as follows:-

English: 1:30 PM & 6:30 PM
Hindi: 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM
Bengali: 3:30 PM & 5:30 PM.

In addition to these, extra shows are organized on Sundays & other holidays at 10:30 AM (Hindi) and 11:30 AM (Bengali)