BEHIND TONGUE PIERCING FESTIVAL

 se piercing festival of Bode is celebrated on the Nepali itti of Baisakh 2 every year. The festival symbolizes an lent. for a tantric in the old days had allegedly dishonored arahi by taking hostage one of her best friends, a Khyak, lar in Newari folklore. The story goes that there used to be Knent of Sankhakot near Nilbarahi Temple in the ancient tilers of Sankhakot later moved to Bode after they were iunted and harassed by spirits and wild animals. But the lewd even in Bode, so they took their problem before a cor Gubhaju in Newari, who went by the name Bhimdutt. To e spirits, Bhimdutt used a magical thread and bordered the he day, a Khyak was ensnared on the thread, so Bhimdutt wish the ghost by shaving its head, and piercing its tongue The torture did not end there. Bhimdutt made the Khyak oden pole, strapped a pair of Ghungroo (a belt consisting kes) on its foot and paraded it throughout the town. The not listen to the Khyak's plea; he snubbed its every excuse, e ghost told him that it was a friend of goddess Nilbarahi. as kicked out from the town after it vowed never to return. I right. goddess Nilbarahi appeared in Bhimdutt's dreams. was angry at the tantric for disgracing her friend, Khyak, kinsfolk and demanded that he make amends. From that is said Bhimdutt and his descendants started piercing ;very year as an act of penitence.

three days. On the rival. the volunteer Rage in traditional kr member of the
festival impales the tongue with the iron needle amid a drone of incantations performed in front of a huge gathering. The volunteer then carries the `Mahadeep' and takes it around the town. The procession makes the final stop at the Mahalaxmi Temple, where the iron needle is removed from the volunteer's tongue. The festival concludes with a feast and performance of prayers, songs and dances. BODHE'S TONGUI PIERCING FESTIVA The end of Bhakt4 Jatra marks the ix `Jibro Chhedne Ja Tongue Piercing Bodhe. The festival ha the Sindur Jatra or festival that is cell organizing proc • gods and godd palanquins. The the festival is the piercing ceremony. pierces his tongue long iron needle ani 'Mahadeep' or the era different parts of the 1 from piercing his t Mahadeep bearer sho himself for the day bl fast and abstaining fi and human contact. also worship different