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Tongue Piercing Festival Of Nepal

Sujan Shrestha, 30, pierces his tongue as part of an annual tradition for the fourth consecutive year in Thimi, Nepal, on April 15, 2026. The town of Bode in Thimi Municipality observes a tradition of piercing the tongue with a 10-inch long iron needle to coincide with the Lunar New Year. Sujan's uncle, Karminaya Krishna Chandra Bag Shrestha, has pierced his tongue 12 times in the past. After performing worship to deities and offering flowers, Sujan has his tongue pierced in front of thousands of people. (Photo by Sanjit Pariyar/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13581197
Date Taken	15 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Sanjit Pariyar/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Sanjit Pariyar/NurPhoto

Sujan Shrestha tongue piercing annual tradition Thimi Nepal Bode Thimi Municipality 10-inch needle iron needle Lunar New Year Karminaya Krishna Chandra Bag Shrestha worship deities offering flowers crowd thousands of people Sanjit Pariyar NurPhoto April 15 2026 cultural event consecutive year uncle festival ritual public event piercing ceremony local custom religious practice family tradition community gathering spiritual significance New Year celebration.