Though exact data on the number of people who partook in the tongue piercing tradition is not available, Juju Bhai’s grandfather Harka Narsingh had his tongue pierced for 22 times, said Dil Kumar Prajapati, chairman of Bode Sports Club.

Following in the footsteps of Juju Bhai, 12 men have been carrying on the tradition for the past 101 years.

He became read to partake in the tradition for the seventh time after no one showed interest until a month ahead of the festival. “No one became ready to get their tongue pierced. After all it is our responsibility to keep the tradition alive.

A one feet long sharp iron spike is pierced as part to the tradition at Pancho Ganesh temple in Bode, where the festival is observed.

In the beginning of the ceremony, the blacksmith prayed to all the deities and penetrated the spike that was purified by dipping in mustard oil a few days ago. Juju Bhai worshipped at all the local shrines holding the long needle in his tongue.

The festival that has its origin to Lichhavi period is celebrated to mark the defeat of demons.