New Delhi: In a remarkable fusion of tradition and technology, Lord Jagannath’s grand chariot in Kolkata will roll out on tyres designed for Russian Sukhoi fighter jets during this year’s Rath Yatra on June 27. This is the first major upgrade to the chariot’s wheels in 48 years, replacing the ageing tyres sourced from a Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
The Rath Yatra, organised annually by ISKCON Kolkata since 1972, is one of the city’s most iconic religious events. Over the decades, the event has grown in scale, with massive wooden chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra through the city streets. Since 1977, Lord Jagannath’s chariot had been supported by repurposed Boeing tyres.
However, time took its toll. Despite regular repairs, the tyres became increasingly difficult to maintain and replace, especially after the phasing out of the Boeing 747 aircraft. Recognising the urgent need for a replacement, ISKCON Kolkata launched a 20-year-long search for suitable alternatives.
“We realised in 2005 that the tyres could no longer bear the load safely,” said Radharamn Das, Vice President and spokesperson for ISKCON Kolkata, while talking to NDTV. “Finding a weighing scale for a massive chariot was a huge task. We eventually managed to weigh it and it came to about nine tonnes. Factoring in the weight of devotees on the chariot during the Yatra, we realised that the tires would need to support a weight of about 16 tonnes,” he said further.
After approaching several tyre manufacturers, ISKCON eventually found the closest match in Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet tyres manufactured by MRF. The 4-foot-diameter tyres, designed to withstand take-off speeds of 280 kmph, offered the required durability and size.
Convincing the tyre manufacturer, however, was no easy task. “When we first contacted MRF in 2018, they were puzzled by our request. They thought it was a mistake. Only after we invited them to inspect the chariot in Kolkata did they understand the purpose,” said Das.
Following the visit, MRF agreed to supply four Sukhoi tyres at a total cost of Rs 1.8 lakh. The tyres underwent extensive ground testing, including a successful 24-kilometre dry run in Kolkata.
This year’s chariot will roll gently through the city at a ceremonial speed of 1.4 kmph — a far cry from the high-speed runways the tyres were originally designed for. Yet, organisers say the upgrade will enhance the chariot’s stability, especially on Kolkata’s uneven roads and tram tracks, while easing the strain on devotees pulling it.
