S hillong, Jan. 1: A midnight festival in the heart of this city with live music and a dip in icy water marked the celebrations to bid adieu to 2014 and welcome 2015.
The Meghalaya government took the lead in organising the festival at Khyndailad where music bands, cultural troupes and DJs took the stage to entertain the crowd which came in droves, notwithstanding the freezing temperatures.
City-based bands like the Cubicles, Dossers Urge and Fourth Element took the crowd by storm while traditional music reminded the audience about the strength and popularity of folk culture in indigenous societies.
Music without dance and the ever-important snacks would render a celebration into nothingness. Hence, dance and food were very much a part of the gala event to ensure a fun-filled and tummy-satiated celebration.
Elsewhere, at the Crinoline swimming pool, 22 men, including a 65-year-old, took a midnight plunge in icy water.
Around 70 ice blocks, each weighing nearly 50kg, were placed in the pool for the purpose.
The midnight dip has been a sight of wonder for the last 18 years.
The sheer grit of the participants, who are prohibited from consuming any form of intoxicants before taking the plunge, has been something which has left many in awe.
'The midnight dip is our style of welcoming the New Year with a prayer to God to give us strength to face the challenges of life,' Michael Syiem, the person who has been organising the event, said.
While greeting the people, Meghalaya governor Krishan Kant Paul, who would soon take over as the Uttarakhand governor, said, 'I convey my heartiest greetings to the people of Meghalaya. I wish them happiness and well-being throughout the year, and hope that the New Year will bring lasting peace and harmony in the state.'
Chief minister Mukul Sangma also extended his greetings, saying, 'Let us begin the New Year with renewed faith in the gracious Lord that will help us work together for peace and prosperity of our state with vigour and determination.'
Sangma also resorted to mass text messaging where he said, 'Let the New Year usher in peace and prosperity in your lives and homes. Wishing you and your family a bright and prosperous New Year.'
Like in the years gone by, 2015 will bring in its own sets of challenges, besides the accumulated challenges of previous years.
As the celebrations take a backstage, and the parties and get-togethers recede, Meghalaya has got a lot to do. Whether the state is up to face the challenges will be known in a matter of time.
For now, the year is still brand new and like all new beginnings, brings hopes, dreams and promises to the fore.
