Kathmandu, April 15
A man in Bode of Bhaktapur district has pierced his tongue for the sixth time, on Sunday, the second day of Nepali New Year, continuing centuries-old tradition of his community.
As a part of annual Jibro Chhedne Jatra (Tongue-piercing Carnival) of the ancient city, Buddha Krishna Baga Shrestha (46) pierced his tongue.
He had pierced his tongue every year from 2005 to 2008 and last year.
A volunteer from the Shrestha family gets his tongue pierced in a spiritual trance with an iron spike and walks around the town shouldering a round bamboo rack with flaming torches.
It is believed that the successful completion of this painful rite brings good fortune to the villagers and the volunteer himself.
