Sun Jun 01 20:34:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

ISKCON Kolkata is replacing the aging Boeing tires on its Lord Jagannath chariot with Sukhoi fighter jet tires for the annual Rath Yatra. After searching for a replacement for 20 years and with the help of the company MRF, they were able to purchase the tires. The 24 km dry run was done to ascertain whether the four tyres that are fixed to usually Sukhoi fighter jets were fitted properly to the wooden chariot of the Lord Jagannath.

**News Article:**

**Lord Jagannath’s Chariot to Roll on Sukhoi Jet Tires in Kolkata’s Rath Yatra**

**Kolkata, India – June 2, 2025** – In a unique blend of tradition and technology, the chariot of Lord Jagannath will roll on Sukhoi fighter jet tires during the annual Rath Yatra in Kolkata on July 27. ISKCON Kolkata, the organizer of the Rath Yatra, made the change as the Boeing tires that have served the chariot for over 50 years are aging.

Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, explained that the search for suitable replacement tires has been ongoing for two decades. The previous tires were second-hand Boeing-747 tires obtained from the Kolkata Airport in 1977 and manufactured by Dunlop but, after Dunlop’s operations suspended, finding the replacement tires proved to be challenging.

The organization eventually approached MRF, an Indian tire manufacturer, to request a unique order: four tires designed for Sukhoi fighter jets. Initially surprised by the request, MRF sent a team to verify the chariot’s dimensions and needs. Impressed, MRF agreed to sell the tires, each capable of withstanding a 16-tonne load. The four tires cost Rs 1.72 lakh.

The installation of the Sukhoi tires required minor structural adjustments to the traditional wooden and iron structure of the chariot. A 24-km dry run was conducted on May 31st to ensure proper fitting and functionality.

“On July 27, 2025 when thousands of devotees will participate in the annual Rath Yatra of ISKCON in Kolkata, and pull the ropes of chariot of Lord Jagannath, it will gently roll the tyres of Sukhoi jets which are meant to pierce the skies at supersonic speed.”

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