Sujan to pierce his tongue for fourth time

Kathmandu, Apr. 11: Sujan Bagh Shrestha, 30, of Khasi Tole of Bode, Ward No. 8, will pierce his tongue for the fourth time at the upcoming tongue-piercing festival.

Bode, a Newar settlement in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, is renowned for its ancient tongue-piercing festival, which is celebrated every year on the second day of the Nepali New Year.

As the famous tongue-piercing festival approaches, the community remains busy making necessary preparations.

Speaking with The Rising Nepal, Shrestha said that Friday has been formally fixed for him to pierce his tongue for the fourth time. He said that once the date is fixed, the ritual must be performed under any circumstances.

He will observe a three-day fast prior to the tongue-piercing day. During the fasting period, he will drink only water.

Reflecting on his previous experiences, Shrestha said that it will be a moment of great excitement and happiness, rather than fear, to take part in such a glorious and ancient tradition. He emphasised that this was possible due to the support he received from the community, his friends, and divine power.

Sujan is the youngest son of Buddha Krishna Bagh Shrestha, who has previously pierced his tongue multiple times during the festival. His father first pierced his tongue between 2005 and 2008 but temporarily stopped the tradition following his mother’s death. However, he resumed the practice in 2016 after Juju Bhai Basan, who had pierced his tongue for several consecutive years, stopped continuing the tradition.

His father continued the tradition as required, except during the pandemic.

Speaking about his first experience of tongue piercing in 2023, Shrestha said, “I will feel more excitement and happiness than fear, knowing that I will be taking on the responsibility of continuing this age-old tradition.”

Dharma Nakarmi, a 69-year-old resident of the same area, will prepare the iron needles for the festival. The thick, 10-inch-long iron needles will be coated with a metal primer to protect them from rust and will be soaked in mustard oil for four days before the festival.

Krishna Chandra Bagh Shrestha, Sujan’s 60-year-old elder uncle, will pierce his tongue with a 10-inch-long iron skewer on the second day of the Nepali New Year, in front of a large crowd gathered to witness the ceremony.

According to historical records, 13 people have participated in the tongue-piercing tradition over its 110-year history. The first recorded participant was Harka Narsingh Shrestha, who took part in the tradition for 22 years, from 1912 to 1933.

Since then, several individuals have been remembered for continuing the tradition across generations. Now, Sujan Bagh Shrestha will be continuing this legacy, having participated in the ceremony since 2023.

A large crowd gathers every year to witness this fascinating and revered ceremony. It is believed that King Jagajyoti Malla initiated this festival, and it will continue to remain a popular tradition.