Nepal's Juju Bhai pierces tongue for eighth consecutive year to uphold tradition

Juju Bhai Basan Shrestha pierced his tongue for the eighth consecutive year on Thursday as part of annual festival called Bisket Jatra celebrated in Nepal.

On the second day of festival celebrated by Newar community in Bode of ancient city Bhaktapur marking Nepali New Year and arrival of spring season, 35-year old Shrestha continued the tradition of tongue piercing.

As per the tradition, a one feet long sharp iron spike was pierced through tongue of Shrestha, who had been in strict fasting for the last four days, amid the presence and cheering of thousands of locals. It is believed that blood should not be poured while piercing tongue.

The needle was dipped into mustard oil for few days for purification.

"I am piercing my tongue for eight times to preserve the festival and keep the tradition alive for coming generations", Shrestha, who has been piercing his tongue since 2009, told local media.

Shrestha's grandfather Harka Narsingh has pierced his tongue for 22 times.

After the completion of offering prayers to various religious shrines by holding spike in tongue, the spike was kept back at a local temple.

The tongue piercing act is a major part of Bisket Jatra that is celebrated for nine days and eight nights. The festival is celebrated to mark the victory over devil.

Meanwhile, Newar community also marked 'Sindure Jatra' in Thimi of Bhaktapur by pulling chariots and smearing vermilion powder to each other. Endit