Latest news with #ISKCONKolkata
India Today
03-06-2025
- General
- India Today
ISKCON fits Sukhoi fighter jet tyres to Lord Jagannath's chariot in Kolkata
This year's Rath Yatra in Kolkata is set to be a remarkable one as Lord Jagannath's chariot will roll on tyres originally designed for the Sukhoi fighter jet — notably the ones used in India's successful Operation Kolkata has spearheaded the initiative to replace the old tyres of Lord Jagannath's tyres which were first fitted in 1977 and sourced from a Boeing aircraft. With the original manufacturer, Dunlop ceasing operations years ago, the search for suitable replacements were on for the past few had been using second-hand aircraft tyres for many years,' said Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata. 'After thorough research, we found that the tyres of Sukhoi fighter jet matched the size and specifications of the old Boeing ones.' In 2024, tyre manufacturer MRF assessed the requirements and delivered the new tyres in early 2025. A 24-kilometre trial was carried out to ensure the tyres could withstand the weight of the chariot and move smoothly through Kolkata's added, 'It is a coincidence that the tyres came from Sukhoi jets that participated in Operation Sindoor, a significant achievement for Indian defence.'While the change is a technical enhancement, it also carries symbolic significance. Das drew parallels with the Mahabharata, noting that Lord Krishna attempted to prevent war between the Kauravas and Pandavas. When diplomacy failed, the Pandavas emerged victorious, reinforcing a message of peace backed by year's Rath Yatra conveys a dual message — of devotion and determination. It reflects Sanatani values and India's readiness to rise against adversity,' said Das, hinting at current tensions with Lord Jagannath's chariot now mounted on tyres built for a combat aircraft, this year's procession is set to combine tradition with a powerful reminder of cultural resilience and national Watch
NDTV
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
After Priest's 20-Year Search, Sukhoi Tires To Be Used On Jagannath Chariot
Kolkata: Lord Jagannath's chariot will have a spring in its steps this summer when it rolls out on Kolkata streets for the Rath Yatra on June 27. After a 20-year search, the Rath Yatra's organiser, ISKCON Kolkata, has found new tires for the massive chariot. The old tires, sourced from a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, have been replaced by tires used on Sukhoi fighter planes and manufactured by MRF. Radharamn Das, vice president and spokesperson for ISCKON Kolkata, shared the fascinating story of finding the best fit for the Lord's chariot. The Rath Yatra in Kolkata started in 1972 with a small chariot housing the three deities taken out through the city's streets. Five years later, a member of ISCKON donated three new chariots for Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Lord Jagannath's chariot was fitted with second-hand tires from a Boeing Jet. Over the years, the tires suffered wear and tear and were repaired before every Rath Yatra. In 2005, however, Mr Das noticed they needed to be changed. This started his 20-year search for new tires for the Lord's chariot. A key challenge for arranging the tires was to assess the weight they would need to bear. "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. "We first spoke to Dunlop, but they had stopped manufacturing these tires. After extensive research, we found Sukhoi tires to be the best match. We first tried to contact MRF in 2018, but could not get through. Eventually, they got back six years later. In December 2024, they sent a team, we worked out a price and they delivered the tires a month back," Mr Das told NDTV. He shared how MRF authorities were surprised when ISKCON Kolkata first told them their requirement. "We were told that the only other client for these tires is the Indian Air Force," Mr Das quipped. MRF assured them that their tires have an adequate weight-bearing capacity. The four tires cost a total of Rs 1.80 lakh. After the tires were delivered and fitted, a 24-km dry run was organised, and all was found to be well.
India Today
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Jugaad on wheels: Sukhoi jet tyres power Lord Jagannath's chariot in Kolkata
In a prime example of Indian 'jugaad' culture on display, Lord Jagannath's chariot in Kolkata is set to get a new pair of wheels after 48 years -- a brand-new set of tyres from Russia's Sukhoi fighter jet, which has a take-off run speed of up to 280 a familiar word in India, translates to making do with what you have. After encountering steering issues last year, the organiser ISKCON sprang into action to get new wheels for the deity's chariot, which it has been seeking for the past 15 Boeing tyres -- ones being used to power to chariots for so long -- have become difficult to procure, the organisers approached Sukhoi instead, as their diameter closely matches that of the Boeing tyres. ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharaman Das admitted that their demand for new wheels took the company that manufactures tyres for Sukhoi fighter jets by asked for a quotation, the manufacturer wondered why anyone would request Sukhoi tyres and for what purpose. After explaining their need, ISCKON invited the manufacturers to come and inspect the chariot. Only then were they able to secure four Sukhoi tyres for the the tyres are being installed as Kolkata will witness Lord Jagannath's chariot wheels powered by tyres made for Sukhoi fighter to some reports, the chariot will move slowly and ceremoniously at a speed of 1.4 kmph.
News18
01-06-2025
- Business
- News18
From Fighter Jets To Divine Wheels: Kolkata's Jagannath Chariot Gets Sukhoi Tyres
Last Updated: Kolkata's Lord Jagannath chariot gets new wheels from Russia's Sukhoi fighter jet after 48 years. ISKCON faced steering issues and couldn't procure Boeing tyres. In a quintessential display of Indian 'jugaad' ingenuity, Kolkata's Lord Jagannath's chariot is getting a fresh set of wheels after 48 years – remarkably, the new tyres are sourced from Russia's Sukhoi fighter jet, designed for speeds up to 280 kmph. The Indian concept of 'jugaad' – making do with available resources – is being applied to find a solution for Lord Jagannath's chariot. After experiencing steering problems last year, ISKCON quickly sought new wheels, a quest they've been on for 15 years. Since Boeing tyres — ones being used to power to chariots for so long — have become difficult to procure, the organisers approached Sukhoi instead, as their diameter closely matches that of the Boeing tyres. ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharaman Das confirmed that their demand for new wheels took the company that manufactures tyres for Sukhoi fighter jets by surprise. When contacted for a quote, the manufacturer was puzzled, asking why anyone would need Sukhoi tyres and what they'd be used for. After explaining their requirements, ISKCON invited the manufacturers to inspect the chariot, and only then were they able to procure four Sukhoi tyres for the Rath. The Sukhoi fighter jet tyres are currently being fitted, and soon Kolkata will see Lord Jagannath's chariot rolling on wheels designed for high-speed jets. First Published: June 01, 2025, 11:36 IST
