Michael Syiem takes the midnight dip in the Sangmein at Shillong peak

Sangmein (Shillong peak), Jan. 1: Call it ablution or “baptism with water”, at zero degree Celsius, it was a real test of determination.

Skinny-dipping may not be the most popular way to ring in the New Year in India, but then, Forever Young Sports Club wanted it to be different.

So two of their members and two guests plunged into the ice-cold Sangmein lake near Shillong peak at the stroke of midnight, believing that the act would give them the “power to face the challenges of the year ahead”.

Cheered on by the entire Sangmein village and visitors from Shillong, the bravehearts swam for about half an hour, before emerging triumphant from the lake.

The “party”, of course, began a little before midnight.

Before taking the dip, president of Forever Young Sports Club, Michael Syiem, prayed for good heath and strength.

Wearing layers of woollen garments, bystanders — villagers mostly — gaped, shouted, screamed — their excited breath visible in the chill.

“It was really cold, but this act has given me courage, wisdom and willpower to face the challenges of the New Year,” Syiem said on emerging from the stream.

“We wanted to welcome the New Year with a difference, not with parties or drinks. We want to change the way the New Year celebrations are held every year,” said the 52-year-old.

But how did he hit upon this idea of skinny-dipping?

“Eleven years back, a carpenter told me how he once worked on the cold floor of his work place on a New Year’s day and it helped him face the challenges ahead”.

“Do something useful and the whole year will be fruitful,” he said.

After Syiem, it was the turn of 18-year-old Rudy Kharchandi, also a member of Forever Young Sports Club, to take the plunge. Two other swimmers, Iarap Toi and Cornette Phanbuh, who are the members of Meghalaya Swimming Association, followed suit.

Though the Forever Young Sports Club had thrown out an open invitation, the reason for the poor turnout, the organisers felt, could be the distance from Shillong to the village, which is about 10km and of course, the freezing temperature.

For the villagers of Sangmein, it was a unique experience.

“Usually, we dance on New Year’s eve, but this is the first time we are witnessing the midnight swim,” said George, a villager.

The village has been selected to be the venue of midnight swim for the first time. It was previously held at the Crinoline swimming pool in Shillong. But this year, the pool owners sought Rs 20,000 for half-an-hour. The alternative, of course, proved more fun.

After a round of greetings, the swimmers, organisers and the guests from Shillong sat down for a feast of chapati and chicken curry, cooked by the villagers.