By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 2: Every New Year’s Eve in Meghalaya, a unique event takes place that has become a mainstay on the state’s festive calendar.
Known as the ‘Midnight Swim’, participants take a plunge into a pool filled with blocks of ice, braving freezing temperatures just hours before the dawn of the new year.
Organised by the Forever Young group, the icy event this year saw a record 34 participants, including five women, the highest turnout since the tradition began.
This year marked the 27th edition of the event and was held at the Crinoline Swimming Pool in Shillong.
The 27th edition of the event featured eight tones of ice, one tone up above from last year’s seven tonnes.
To ensure safety, the event enforced strict rules, including a ban on alcohol and other intoxicants for all.
While the icy waters of Crinoline Pool provide a challenging test of endurance, for the participants, the event is more than a physical feat—they say it as a way to promote discipline, resilience and community spirit.
What began as a small gathering has grown into a significant tradition, marking the start of the new year in a uniquely Meghalaya way.