Shillong, Dec. 30: Midnight dip in a cold pool, concerts, private parties and prayers will mark New Year celebrations in Meghalaya.

The midnight swim has become an annual ritual for the Forever Young Sports Club (FYSC), Shillong, for over a decade now.

The club’s president, Michael Syiem, said they would organise their 14th midnight swim on December 31 at the Crinoline Swimming Pool here to welcome the New Year.

Though Shillong is shivering with a minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius, 30 ice blocks each weighing more than 50 kg will be placed inside the swimming pool to add challenge to the event.

However, consuming intoxicants before the event is prohibited and the contestants can have a peg of whisky or two after the dip.

“We expect more participation of people, especially the young, this time,” he added.

While the club has its own way of welcoming the New Year, the state tourism department is planning unique initiatives.

“Keep 31 free” is the promotion of the Meghalaya Tourist Development Corporation (MTDC) on New Year-eve.

State-run hotels like Pinewood and Orchid Lake Resort in Shillong and Orchid Lake Resort in Umiam have have organised concerts on December 31 evening.

“The old changes, yielding to the new” the MTDC campaign says, urging people to join the bash.

The private hotels of the state have also come up with dance and dinner programmes on December 31 for those who want to celebrate the New Year away from home.

Private parties with like-minded group of people is another feature on the eve of the New Year.

Beyond the secular celebrations, there are many who want to seek God’s blessings on the New Year’s eve.

Prayers, services and midnight masses have been scheduled in various churches across the state both on December 31 evening and on January 1.

“I would like to be with God and seek his blessings in the New Year,” said Jenny Sangma, a homemaker.