Meghalaya: Workers take dip in ice cold water at midnight to welcome New Year

Shillong: Activists in Meghalaya welcomed 2024 by diving into a pool of water filled with 1 tonne ice blocks, pledging to fight social evils prevalent in the state. Maintaining a 26-year-old tradition, a total of 26 people, including four women, took a dip in the Crinoline Swimming Pool in Shillong at midnight. Former student activist Michael Siem, who is the coordinator of the Matt Shafrang movement, has been at the forefront of organizing this event for years. A similar tradition of swimming at midnight to welcome the New Year is prevalent in Argentina and parts of Russia, participants said. Meanwhile, as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival, American rapper Sean Kingston performed at the Polo Grounds with people dancing to the tunes until the morning. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma greeted the people of the state on the occasion. Governor Fagu Chauhan said, “As we step into the new year, let us say goodbye to the trials of the past and cordially welcome the opportunities ahead. May the new year be graced with moments of happiness, growth and togetherness.” Achievements.”