SHILLONG: Shillong’s skyline erupted with fireworks as enthusiastic revelers welcomed the New Year in style.
To make it befitting, an annual event Midnight swim, prayers and church services were held in the city.
The 16th mid night swim, organised by the Forever Young Club, saw a participation of more than 25 swimmers who showed the courage to dive in the chilling water at the unnerving temperature.
To add to the challenge, fifty ice blocks s each weighing 50 kgs were put inside the pool.
Forever Young Club president Michael Syiem said, “We wanted to welcome the New Year in a different way and this event is organized to pray to god to give us strength to face the challenges of life.
While the enthusiastic swimmers welcomed the year 2013 in a different way, there were others who welcomed it by holding prayers and attending church services as many churches had organized special prayers on this occasion.
To make the New Year celebration more meaningful, Hotel Polo Towers has planned a spectacular firework display at Khyndailad on Tuesday at 7.30 pm.
To avoid any kind of nuisance during the celebration, earlier, the police had carried out raid against illicit liquor in parts of Shillong and seized huge quantity of liquor.
On Tuesday too, state police continued its drive against illicit liquor in AC Lane and seized 7255 ml of IMFL besides arresting two owners identified as D Dolma and Sonam Lama.
The State police was also deploying its personnel in different parts of the area to ensure a safe and secure New Year celebration.