KATHMANDU: Buddha Krishna Shrestha, 48, has pierced his tongue for the eighth time to give continuity to the ancient tradition on the occasion of the Traditional Tongue Piercing Festival in Thimi.

The festival is being observed at Bode in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality today.

Halted for the first time in history last year due to coronavirus pandemic, Shrestha gave continuity to the ancient tradition by piercing his tongue with a one-foot-long iron 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 had earlier called for the participation of all the people in the festivals.