In a remarkable example of India’s famous jugaad spirit — finding smart and practical solutions to difficult problems — the iconic Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kolkata will now feature tyres made for Sukhoi fighter jets. After using the same set of wheels for nearly 48 years, the chariot will roll on brand-new, high-speed aviation tyres — something even the manufacturers found surprising.
This unusual but innovative replacement shows how modern engineering and age-old traditions can come together to keep a legacy rolling forward — quite literally.
🔧 Why the Change Was Needed
The chariot used in Kolkata’s Rath Yatra festival, organized by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), has been carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra Devi through the streets for almost five decades using old Boeing aircraft tyres.
Over the years, the wear and tear took a toll on the wheels. In 2023, during the annual Yatra, organizers experienced steering difficulties, raising concerns about the safety and smooth movement of the grand chariot. These issues made it clear that the time had finally come for an upgrade.
ISKCON had been trying to replace the wheels for the past 15 years, but sourcing the exact same Boeing aircraft tyres had become extremely difficult due to changes in availability and cost.
✈️ Why Sukhoi Tyres?
With the Boeing tyres no longer an option, the organizers began searching for alternatives that matched the same size and durability. That’s when they stumbled upon a rather unexpected option — tyres from the Sukhoi fighter jet, one of the most powerful aircraft in the Indian Air Force.
The tyre size of the Sukhoi jet closely matched the diameter and strength needed to support the massive wooden chariot. This made the Russian-origin aviation tyres a suitable, although unconventional, replacement.
😲 Tyre Makers Were Shocked by the Request
According to ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharaman Das, the team reached out to the company that manufactures Sukhoi fighter jet tyres, hoping to purchase a set for the Rath.
But when they made the request, the manufacturers were confused — and a bit amused. The company initially asked, “Why would anyone want Sukhoi tyres? What vehicle are you using them for?”
It was certainly a first-of-its-kind request for the tyre company, which usually deals with defence contracts and not religious processions!
🛕 Explaining the Divine Purpose
To clarify the purpose, ISKCON invited the tyre manufacturers to personally inspect the Rath (chariot) and understand the cultural and spiritual significance of the Yatra.
Once the company saw the size, structure, and religious importance of the Rath Yatra chariot, they agreed to provide the tyres. Eventually, four Sukhoi fighter jet tyres were approved and delivered for use in the chariot.
It was a proud moment of cooperation between tradition and technology — something that left both the temple organizers and the tyre makers impressed.
🚚 The Installation and Movement
The four Sukhoi tyres are now being installed onto the chariot. Given their original design — meant to handle extreme speeds up to 280 kmph during takeoff — these tyres are more than strong enough to bear the weight of the huge wooden Rath.
However, the Rath will still move at a slow and respectful speed of around 1.4 kmph during the procession. This pace is traditional and symbolic, allowing devotees to walk alongside the deities and offer prayers.
The speed may be low, but the message is powerful — combining military-grade strength with religious devotion in a way that’s never been seen before.
🇮🇳 A Classic Case of Indian Jugaad
This entire situation is a shining example of jugaad, a popular Indian term meaning creative problem-solving using limited resources.
From festivals to farming to daily life, Indians have long been known for finding practical, low-cost solutions to big challenges. And in this case, ISKCON’s decision to use fighter jet tyres for a religious chariot shows how deep this culture of innovation runs.
It also highlights the respect for tradition and the desire to preserve cultural heritage without compromising on safety or strength.
🧘 Spiritual Meets Scientific
The unusual pairing of a fighter jet component with a temple chariot may sound odd at first, but it beautifully represents modern India — a country where spirituality and science coexist.
On one side, you have a centuries-old tradition of Rath Yatra, where thousands of devotees come to pull the grand chariot through the streets. On the other, you have the cutting-edge technology used in modern defence aviation.
By bringing these two together, ISKCON has not only solved a pressing technical problem but also created a story that symbolizes India’s rich blend of innovation and devotion.
📸 What to Expect This Year
As the annual Rath Yatra approaches, excitement is building in Kolkata. Devotees are eager to witness this unique “Rath on Sukhoi wheels” as it makes its way through the streets of the city.
Photographers, devotees, engineers, and the simply curious will likely gather in large numbers to catch a glimpse of this once-in-a-lifetime fusion of modern machinery and sacred tradition.
🙏 Conclusion: A Rolling Symbol of Modern Devotion
The decision to use Sukhoi fighter jet tyres for Lord Jagannath’s chariot in Kolkata is much more than just a mechanical upgrade. It’s a testament to the ingenuity, persistence, and faith of those who keep ancient traditions alive in a rapidly changing world.
Whether you see it as a spiritual act, a clever engineering move, or simply a story of Indian jugaad at its finest, there’s no denying that this unique solution has captured hearts and imaginations far beyond the temple grounds.
From the skies to the streets, this year’s Rath Yatra will ride not only on faith but also on fighter jet wheels.