By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 30: As the city gears up for the New Year with resolutions and parties around town, the Forever Young Club is urging people of all ages to kick off the year with a unique challenge – a midnight swimming ritual.
The tradition, initiated 26 years ago by seven daring individuals, has evolved into a popular event with participants seeking both a physical challenge and a spiritual start to the New Year.
President of Forever Young Club, Michael Syiem, shared that the tradition began with a simple plunge but has since incorporated the added challenge of ice blocks in the swimming pool.
“The mix of young and old participants embraces the challenge as a way to express gratitude for the past year and embark on the new one with a fresh perspective,” said Syiem.
Over the years, the ritual has grown in popularity, attracting nearly 30 participants this year, compared to the initial seven.
Syiem also said that the crowd that comes to take the challenge is a mix of ages, and gender, establishing that female swimmers are also participating in the daring midnight swim.
The decision to introduce ice blocks 15 years ago was driven by changes in Shillong’s weather. As temperatures rose, the ice blocks added an extra layer of difficulty to the ritual, making it a test of resilience.
This year’s ritual at the Crinoline Swimming Pool will see an increase to seven tonnes of ice, up from last year’s six tonnes, that is set to be held on December 31 night.
Participants are strictly prohibited from consuming any intoxicants during the event. The plunge occurs exactly at midnight, with a recommended maximum time of ten minutes in the icy pool. Syiem, who has been part of the tradition since its inception, emphasised that the ritual is not just for club members. He encouraged others to create their own challenges, emphasising the idea that starting the New Year with such a refreshing activity is a unique and invigorating way to embrace the possibilities of the coming year.