ISKCON sets up immersive 360 degree full dome at Mayapur

Kolkata: ISKCON has set up an immersive 360 degree full dome at Mayapur to preach the message of harmony and world peace.

The hi-tech theatre was officially launched for public viewing on the auspicious occasion of Narsingha Chaturdashi on April 29.

It may be recalled that during her visit to Mayapur in February, Chief Minister had assured the ISKCON authorities every cooperation in their attempt to declare Mayapur as a World Heritage Centre.

Full dome refers to immersive dome based video projection environment where the viewer is surrounded by the video projection in a hemispherical angle view. The dome horizontal or tilted is filled with real time or pre-rendered computer animations, live captured images or composite environments. Even though astronomy is the most common topic, there are no content limitations and is used for hyper realistic presentations, explained Sridama Das, a native of New Zeland and the main mind behind setting up of the theatre.

"Top grade technology is used which is at par with the best theatres in the world to give a spiritually riveting audio-visual experience", he added.

The theatre has a capacity of 108 seats and is centrally air-conditioned. Currently two highly immersive films are running in Bengali and English in alternate shows.

First film is named, The Churning, a unique look at the Samudra Manthan pastime (Lila) of Lord Vishnu using classic paintings from the books of His Divine Grace Swami Prabhupad, founder Acharya of ISKCON with additional immersive 3D graphics inside a 360 degree setting. Second film is 9 steps to eternity, which explores Nabadwip and the 9 forms of devotional service to please Lord Krishna.

Every year Mayapur, is being visited by more than 6 million devotees, pilgrims and tourists from different parts of the world.

Full Dome films on esoteric subjects like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagvatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita and other Vedic literature in an enlivening manner.