SHILLONG: The city heralded New Year with people exchanging greetings of the new dawn coupled with celebrations individually and in group.
People burst crackers to welcome the New Year amid cheers of the youths on city roads.
Police had urged people to have an incident-free New Year celebration and cautioned against drunk driving on the eve of New Year.
There was a large gathering of people for the Shillong Midnight Festival at Polo parking lot from Saturday night. Children’s court, magic, fireworks display, food courts and performance of varied music bands were the added attractions.
Besides, the well-decorated Police Bazar, the business hub of the city, had attracted a large crowd.
Like every year, in the unique style, several bravehearts plunged into the icy Saw Aiom Swimming Pool in Shyiap, Pynthor, at the stroke of the midnight during the 20th Midnight Swim organised by Forever Young club, with the support of the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya.
The occasion was also aimed at encouraging young and genuine voters of Meghalaya to take part in the electoral process in the State.
As many as hundred blocks of ice, each weighing 50 kg, were placed in the pool to make the event more challenging.
Michael N. Syiem, president of Forever Young club, said the purpose of welcoming New Year in this fashion was to prepare the body and soul to face the challenges of the year ahead.
