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Granting permits has begun for spring mountaineering this year. 

According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 58 people, including 18 women and 40 men, from eight mountaineering groups have obtained permission for climbing various peaks, including the Annapurna-1. 

Climbers from 24 countries, including Nepal, have so far taken permission for mountaineering this season. 

Department Director Liladhar Awasthi informed that granting permission for climbing during the season has begun. 

"Permission will be given for scaling the world's highest peak, Mount Everest soon", he said. 

The climbing companies are engaged in the preparation to manage Everest climbing. 

"There has been an increase in climbing related activities in the Mount Everest region lately. The climbing companies have stepped up their preparation for climbing management here", the Department director further informed. 

Spring season is considered an ideal time for climbing peaks, including Everest. A significant number of foreigners turn up here to climb the world's summit this season. 

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has deputed an 'icefall doctor' to make way for climbing Mount Everest in the spring season. 

The SPCC has deployed a 10-member team to construct the road from the base camp to the second camp of Mount Everest. 

Similarly, skilled climbers have recently been deployed for 'rope fixing' from the second camp to the summit of Mount Everest. 

The Mountaineering Operators' Association has deputed 10 Sherpa climbers led by Ashok Lama to fix the rope to the summit. 

IME Group and IXI Corp have jointly established the Kathmandu Technical School (KTS). The school is brought into operation with an objective of producing skilled human resources in the job market. 

Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, inaugurated the school amidst a programme organized at Dhumbarahi today. 

On the occasion, Minister Bahndari said the government has put partnership with the private sector in priority as problems of unemployment and poverty would be resolved only from the fusion of skill, employment, entrepreneurship and capital. 

"Producing technical human resources is the government's priority. The government is ready to collaborate with the private sector in skill development and producing technical human resources", he asserted.   

Similarly, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and IME Group Chair Chandra Prasad Dhakal said with the operation of the school, the IME Group has been moving ahead for producing technical human resources. 

He expressed the belief that the school would play a significant role to make thousands of youths self-employed. "The school was established with a target of starting a new era in technical and vocational education in Nepal. We expect that the school will have a positive contribution in employment, education, society and overall economy", mentioned Dhakal.  

Likewise, Chairperson of Kathmandu Technical School, Manoj Poudel, shared that the school would help the government's objective of producing more than 100,000 human resources in the next 10 years. 

The school would impart training related to hospitality, culinary arts, caregiving,  as well as other employment-oriented and self-employment categories.

An online system has been launched to make the justice system more simple and convenient. 

The online system that is used to send notice about the hearings assigned to offices of Chief Attorney in all seven provinces by the Supreme Court and take action on special nature of complaints by District Courts was launched today.

Launching the online system, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut shared that the justice system must be reformed and for that improvement in technology was essential.

"The justice system will be reliable, trustworthy and transparent once the online system is launched. It will also help remove irregularities and aberrations," he argued. Digitalization in the justice system was the need of the hour, CJ Raut added. 

The Supreme Court has been giving priority to the use of information technology with an objective of making judicial service easy, smooth and effective as well as to develop court as a paperless institution.

Born into a traditional Newar family in Bode, Bhaktapur, Sujan Baga Shrestha grew up watching and celebrating various Newa festivals and rituals. From a young age, he felt a deep calling to participate in the sacred tongue-piercing ritual, a tradition deeply rooted in his family. His father had performed the ritual for eight years, and his uncle (kaka) had also upheld the practice for several years. For Shrestha, this was more than a ritual—it was a spiritual journey, a connection to his ancestors, and a way to honor his identity.

He remembers that he was only 8–9 years old when he started understanding that his uncle also pierced the tongue. When he used to ask about the ritual, his father used to say that it was only done for god and to honor god. However, when he was 18 or 19, his father refused to let him participate, believing he was too young. Shrestha recalls the emotional moment vividly. Tears streaming down his face, he pleaded to his father to allow him to continue the family tradition in front of the camera who were shooting for his father’s piercing ceremony. As a child, he had witnessed the ritual up close, and the experience had left an indelible mark on him. He was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, no matter the challenges.

Now a professional driver, Shrestha sees the tongue-piercing ritual as a profound spiritual experience. He believes that Nepal’s Newa culture is a source of global pride, and many Nepalis abroad continue to honor these traditions. By participating in the ritual, he aims to preserve and promote this cultural heritage, ensuring that it remains alive for future generations.

Shrestha’s faith in the power of tradition was reinforced during the devastating 2015 earthquake. While destruction ravaged much of Nepal, no houses in his community were damaged, and no lives were lost. He attributes this miracle to the blessings of the gods, who he believes watch over those who uphold their cultural practices with a pure heart.

His father, who observed the ritual for four consecutive years, was a major source of inspiration. However, after his grandmother’s passing, his father had to pause, and another uncle took over. Shrestha had wanted to step in, but his father deemed him too frail at the time. This only deepened his resolve to participate when the opportunity arose again.

Despite his passion, Shrestha has faced physical challenges, including a recurring shoulder dislocation that makes strenuous activities difficult. His first experience with the ritual was a mix of excitement and nervousness. Participants must fast for four days beforehand, consuming only alcohol if they choose. On the day of the piercing, Shrestha’s father and uncle, the ritual leader, instructed him to close his eyes. The initial piercing of the upper layer of his tongue was bearable, but the lower part brought searing pain, forcing him to squeeze his eyes shut. Yet, in that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of pride.

One of the most remarkable moments came during the fasting period. Shrestha felt weak and suffered from a persistent cough. “But as soon as I wore the ritual costume and ghungroo (ankle bells),” he recalls. “I suddenly felt empowered, and my cough vanished.” This transformation left him in awe, reinforcing his belief in the spiritual energy of the tradition.

His second experience was even more daunting. Battling a 102-degree fever, Shrestha endured the ritual with grit and determination. When asked if he would participate again this year, he said he would decide in a few days, showcasing his unwavering commitment despite the physical toll.

The rituals surrounding the tongue-piercing tradition are steeped in discipline and reverence. Participants must offer coins which are called Bapenatyau to four key individuals—Pama (the main leader), Kaminaya (the piercer), and two Pancha Bali (representatives from the Shahi family). Strict purity rules follow: no contact with animals and women, staying indoors, and avoiding food touched by others. Even local leaders, including the Mayor and parliamentary representatives, join the ritual, underscoring its communal significance.

After the piercing, the restrictions lift, and participants enjoy a feast. When asked how they manage to eat after such a painful procedure, The leader of the ritual, Pama explains that temple mud is applied to the pierced area, providing relief. With a laugh, he adds, “After the piercing, I can easily eat a whole plate of spicy choila in the evening.”

Shrestha is passionate about passing down the tradition. If the younger generation expresses interest, he vows to support them wholeheartedly. As a newly married man, he acknowledges it may be years before his future son might participate, but he encourages his younger brother to take part if he wishes. For Shrestha, keeping the tradition alive is a sacred duty.

Though he doesn’t know the exact history of the ritual, he shares that it was practiced by his grandfather. Growing up in a family that faced poverty, Shrestha witnessed many struggles. Yet, he believes that dedicating time to the ritual has brought divine blessings and protection. “God has looked after us and kept us safe from harm,” he says.

The ritual has also shaped how the community perceives Shrestha and his family. They are treated with immense respect, and neighbors are always willing to lend a hand. For Shrestha, the tradition has brought only positivity into his life.

The final stages of the ritual are equally profound. On the 5th day of Baisakh, the leaders carry the Khatt/Kharpan of Kalika Kumari, a deity, in a sacred procession. No one is allowed to see them, and the carriers chant “Binami,” a Newar word meaning “Excuse me,” as they roam the area at night. Shrestha admits he is particularly scared of this day, as he has never dared to break the rule and peek.

Through his journey, Shrestha embodies the enduring power of tradition. His unwavering dedication to the tongue-piercing ritual reflects his deep connection to his culture, spirituality, and community. He hopes that future generations will continue to uphold these time-honored customs, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Newar people thrives for years to come.