KATHMANDU: The traditional “Tongue-Piercing Festival” was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bode of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality this year as well.

This year, 29-year-old Sujan Bagh Shrestha continued the tradition by piercing his tongue for the fourth time. The practice has been passed down through generations in his family. Krishna Chandra Bagh Shrestha had performed the ritual 12 times, after which his brother Buddha Krishna Bagh Shrestha continued it up to nine times. Now, Buddha Krishna’s youngest son, Sujan, has been carrying forward the legacy, having first pierced his tongue three years ago.

According to tradition, after offering ritual items for the festival, the person who pierces their tongue must remain in a state of purity. They are required to avoid physical contact with others, especially those considered ritually impure, and must refrain from consuming salted or impure food. They are also not allowed to leave Bode during this period.

The “Tongue-Piercing Festival” is observed every year on the 2nd day of Baisakh (Nepali New Year), and like previous years, it was celebrated with great devotion and cultural significance. Photos: Nepal Photo Library