Kolkata: For the first time in its 54-year history, the Kolkata Rathayatra will integrate a QR-code-based tech system, allowing devotees to track the movement of Lord Jagannath's chariot in real time. A new website — kolkatarathyatra. live — has been launched by Iskcon Kolkata to help devotees across the globe stay virtually connected to the procession and the celebrations at Maidan, where the pandal is being erected as a replica of Puri's Jagannath temple. "This year, we are not only blending tradition with technology, but also aiming to send a global message of peace amid rising geopolitical tensions," said Iskcon Kolkata vice-president Radharamn Das at their Gurusaday Road office on Tuesday. As reported by TOI earlier, the chariot of Lord Jagannath will roll out on Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft tyres for the first time, replacing the Boeing 747 tyres used since 1977. According to Das, the decision was made after four decades of service by the Boeing tyres. "It was a challenge to source the new wheels, but MRF helped us secure them," he said.
The procession will take its usual route from Iskcon's Albert Road temple and end at Brigade Parade Ground, where a 10-day fair will be held from June 27 to July 5. Prasad will be served from 3. 30 pm to 8. 30 pm. The fair will also feature children's tableaux, kirtans led by international artistes, and spiritual discourses. South Indian artists will create street art using organic gulal ahead of the procession. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will visit the Maidan on July 3 to participate in the festival, Das said. The organisers said over 20 lakh people are expected to participate in the annual event, second in scale only to Puri's Rathayatra. The festival will include cultural performances by danseuse Dona Ganguly's troupe, among other programmes. Das said: "Iskcon has followers from over 180 nations. We also see tourists from countries like Russia, Ukraine, and China. Given the current global scenario, with the looming threat of a world war, we pray for peace and unity among nations. This is the only place where citizens from Russia and Ukraine come together to pray to Lord Jagannath, forgetting their differences. "Stressing that the festival is much more than a religious gathering, Das said: "This is a platform for spiritual unity. " The chariot of Lord Jagannath stands 38-ft high with a collapsible canopy to navigate city roads. Subhadra and Balarama have individual chariots. All have collapsible designs and heavy-duty iron wheels.