On the occasion of Ashwin Shukla Poornima, the historic and culturally significant ‘Yenya Punhi Mye Pwa: Khanegu Jatra’ or Tongue Piercing Festival is being celebrated in Madhyapurthimi this evening. The festival, which has been an integral part of Thimi’s traditional festivities for centuries, begins at 7:00 pm from Digubhairav Dabali in Diguli, Madhyapurthimi-5, drawing large crowds of devotees, locals, and cultural enthusiasts.
Preserving Tradition Through Tongue Piercing:
This year, the festival continues its age-old tradition with Birendra Bhakta Gaju Shrestha from Balkumari, Madhyapurthimi-4, once again participating in the ritual of tongue piercing. Birendra Bhakta has been actively participating in this festival for several years, having first pierced his tongue in 2074 BS. He continued the practice for the second time in 2079 BS and for the third time last year. Speaking to locals and media, Birendra Bhakta expressed his dedication to preserving Thimi’s unique cultural heritage. “I am ready to get my tongue pierced again to keep the history, tradition, and culture of Thimi alive,” he said. His commitment reflects the community’s deep respect for rituals that have been passed down through generations.
A Festival With Unique Local Flavors:
Madhyapurthimi hosts two significant tongue piercing festivals each year, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first occurs in Bode during the Biskha Jatra, celebrated annually on Baisakh 2, while the second coincides with Ashwin Shukla Poornima, immediately following Indra Jatra. In Bode, the festival is marked by a singular tongue piercing participant who follows a fixed procession route for circumambulation. Conversely, the ‘Yenya Punhi Mye Pwa: Khanegu Jatra’ in Thimi allows multiple participants to pierce their tongues simultaneously, with devotees free to circumambulate according to their personal wishes. This difference makes the Thimi festival especially dynamic and participatory, reflecting the town’s communal spirit and vibrant celebration of cultural practices.
A Devotional and Cultural Journey:
Birendra Bhakta, who is a familiar figure during the festival, mentioned that he had visited Pashupatinath last year and has chosen Bhaktapur this year to witness the Datta Yatra and Nava Durga celebrations. This pilgrimage reflects the devotional aspect of the festival, where participants combine personal spiritual journeys with community-centered rituals. The act of tongue piercing, while physically demanding, is regarded as a symbolic offering of devotion and a reaffirmation of faith, underscoring the profound connection between religious beliefs and cultural expression in Thimi.
Community Participation and Celebration:
The festival is not merely a ritual; it is a spectacle of cultural pride. Local residents and visitors gather along the procession route to witness the courage of participants and engage in traditional chants, music, and ceremonial practices. Vendors, performers, and artisans also contribute to the festive atmosphere, making the evening a holistic celebration of Thimi’s intangible cultural heritage. The free-flowing circumambulation and the participation of multiple piercers create a lively and unpredictable procession, differentiating it from other structured festivals and adding a unique flavor to the celebrations.
Significance of Maintaining Cultural Heritage:
The continuity of ‘Yenya Punhi Mye Pwa: Khanegu Jatra’ highlights the community’s strong emphasis on cultural preservation. With urbanization and modernization influencing lifestyles, such festivals serve as reminders of Thimi’s rich historical and spiritual lineage. By encouraging individuals like Birendra Bhakta to participate, the town ensures that traditional practices are passed on to younger generations. The festival also reinforces communal bonds, as residents and visitors collectively participate, observe, and respect these rituals.
Looking Ahead:
As the evening unfolds in Madhyapurthimi, the streets will come alive with devotees, musicians, and performers, all celebrating a tradition that has endured centuries. The festival not only provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection but also strengthens cultural identity, uniting the community in shared pride and devotion. Thimi’s commitment to preserving its unique heritage through festivals like ‘Yenya Punhi Mye Pwa: Khanegu Jatra’ demonstrates how rituals and traditions continue to shape local culture while inspiring future generations to honor and uphold them.
The ‘Yenya Punhi Mye Pwa: Khanegu Jatra’ Tongue Piercing Festival remains a vivid testament to Thimi’s cultural vitality. Through courage, devotion, and community participation, the festival continues to bridge the past with the present, ensuring that the town’s traditions are celebrated and preserved for years to come.
