KATHMANDU:  Traditional Tongue Piercing Festival is being observed at Bode in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality on Baishakh 2 (April 15).

Buddha Krishna Shrestha, 48, is piercing his tongue for the eight time to give continuity to the ancient tradition on the occasion of the festival.

Halted for the first time in history last year due to coronavirus pandemic, Shrestha is set to give continuity to the ancient tradition by piercing his tongue with a one-foot-long needle after the government allowed Bhaktapur locals to observe this festival.

Issuing a notice, Madhyapur municipality said that no festivals being observed under Bisket Jatra will be halted this year on the pretext of coronavirus pandemic.

Madhyapur municipality Mayor Madan Sundar Shrestha has called for the participation of all the people in the festivals.

“No festivals will be halted this year. We will not halt any festivals that embody the traditional arts and cultures of the Newari community,” said Mayor Shrestha.