Jet Tyres of Sukhoi Fighter Jets Transform for Lord Jagannath's Chariot Procession
In a slick merger of ancient tradition and cutting-edge tech, ISKCON Kolkata has kicked things up a notch by implanting Sukhoi fighter plane tyres onto Lord Jagannath's chariot for this year's Rath Yatra. Mark your calendars for June 27, as this spiritual spectacle is set to take place.
This swap comes after 48 years of rocking those Boeing aircraft tyres on the chariot, following recurring technical issues. ISKCON authorities spilled the beans, explaining that the old Boeing tyres were a headache, and for the past couple of decades, they've been on the hunt for a suitable replacement.
As Radharaman Das, ISKCON Kolkata Vice President, put it, "We've been grappling with issues with the old tyres and have been on a wild goose chase for years. Since Dunlop, the original Boeing tyre manufacturer, shut its doors long ago, we had to dig deeper to find the perfect match."
Enter the robust Sukhoi fighter jet tyres, a match made in heaven (or Kolkata, in this case) as they fit the chariot like a glove both in terms of diameter and load-bearing capacity. MRF, the company that makes Sukhoi tyres, gave it a once-over back in December 2023, and voila! Here we are.
Before giving these bad boys a test run, they attached 'em to the main wooden chariot, which completed a successful 20-kilometre trial run through Kolkata on May 31. Rest easy, devotees, structural adjustments have been made to ensure these tyres are well-armed and ready for prime time.
With these super tyres in place, each one capable of carrying an impressive 16 tonnes, the chariot will be well-equipped for the Rath Yatra and the subsequent Ultorath, planned for July 5. Only the chariots of Lord Jagannath's companions will remain loyal to their iron-wheeled roots.
This innovation might be a fresh first in India, even Asia, as far as we know. The first time they rolled out Boeing tyres way back in 1977, and since then, everything has been a bit grounded (pun intended).
So here's to a smoother, safer ride for the Big Guy as he cruises down the streets of Kolkata, under the watchful eyes of thousands of devoted fans.
[1] https://www.javatpoint.com/articles/others/sukhoi-tyres[2] https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/znn8nk/benefits-of-using-sukhoi-tyres-on-lord-jagannath-s-chariot/[3] https://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/olympic-village-scrambles-to-replace-used-tyres-of-india-s-athletes/1/1756773.html[4] https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/01/03/japan-s-su-35-niin-figure-13-is-a-non-starter-for-igf-role/
[1] In an unexpected collaboration of modern technology and traditional lifestyle, ISKCON Kolkata is set to introduce robust Sukhoi aircraft tyres to their home-and-garden equipment for the annual Rath Yatra.
[2] Before the installation, these tyres, famous for their load-bearing capacity and sturdy construction, were tested on a 20-kilometer trial run through Kolkata, promising a safer and smoother journey for the Big Guy.
