Shillong, Jan. 1 (PTI): For the 20th year in a row, activists in Meghalaya celebrated the New Year by diving into a pool filled with ice blocks with a resolution to fight social ills that plagued the state.
The midnight dip took place at Saw Aiom swimming pool at Pynthor in the city where 22 activists celebrated for the 20th year without fail.
Led by former student activist and a convener of the Mait Shaphrang Movement, Michael Syiem, people from all walks of life took a dip at the sub-zero temperature pool, filled with ice blocks.
Disil Nongrum, 66, who celebrated his 20th jump, said the dip is special to him as he welcomes the New Year with a prayer for health, strength and wisdom to face the challenges of life.
Syiem said, "The midnight dip is a sober celebration which has more to do with determination and strengthening of the inner self to face the challenges of life."
A similar custom of a midnight swim to welcome the New Year is also prevalent in Argentina and some parts of Russia.
An initiative of chief minister Mukul Sangma, the Shillong Midnight Festival is organised by the East Khasi Hills District Arts and Culture Society.
In his message, governor V. Shanmuganathan said, "May the New Year be a messenger of peace, joy, progress and prosperity for all. Let us pray for the blessings of God."
Mukul, in his message, said, "May the spirit of unity and solidarity continue to inspire and guide us to work together in creating a more inclusive and sustainable society for the growth and prosperity of the state and the nation as a whole."
Prayers in Nagaland
Nagaland today welcomed 2017 by offering special prayers in churches and homes for a prosperous year ahead. People in groups moved around greeting "Happy New Year" to each other while the skies lit up with fireworks heralding the dawn of 2017.
Special New Year services are being organised in churches today to offer special prayers. Nagaland governor P.B. Acharya in his message, said, "As the world wakes up to a new dawn, may the New Year shower the people of Nagaland with new opportunities, vision and success at every step."
Mizoram celebrates
Prayers, sermons and hymns marked New Year celebrations in Mizoram today.
Prayers and worship services were held in the local churches since last night with midnight services being held in almost all the churches. The church services today were devoted to New Year celebration, thanksgiving prayers, singing hymns and sermons.
The celebrations passed off peacefully.
Community feasts were organised in some villages and in some localities in the urban areas.
