#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. On Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19, Norilsk residents could plunge into the ice hole, test their fortitude and health, and also get a boost of energy.
This time, 1230 people passed the test of water and frost. In total, 2300 people attended the event at the Ol-Gul ski base. Last year, 2024, 725 northerners dared to go into the Epiphany ice hole.
Father Gennady conducted the festive service and the rite of blessing the water. He congratulated those who came on the holy holiday and wished them good spirits, faith, excellent health and well-being. The words of prayer set people in a special mood and prepared them mentally for immersion in the font.
“Emotions are off the charts. Just incredible feelings. There is a sense of celebration. And what is surprising is that the water is very warm. This is unexpected. After the Epiphany water, you feel renewed”, shared Marina Nikolaeva, a tourist, traveler, photographer.
Marina has been hardening herself for many years, but considers herself a cold swimmer with little experience. She says that immersion in the Epiphany font opens up new possibilities for the body.
Other participants in the Epiphany ablutions also noted the fact that the water in the font is surprisingly warm was by.
“I am immersing myself in the font for the first time in Norilsk, and I came here from Omsk. I was preparing myself for immersion in the water and actually felt how the water envelops and washes my body. You experience some incredible grace and do not feel the cold at all, only lightness”, explained Tatyana Kosminina, who came to Norilsk to visit her daughter.
Men also shared their emotions and feelings.
“Cool! The water is super! I feel like an astronaut”, said Andrey Grubov about his feelings.
The flow of people wanting to take a dip in the ice hole did not dry up. From time to time, a queue formed on the hill. Maxim Kornilkin, who decided to take a dip in the ice hole for the first time this year, also waited for his moment.
“Wonderful feelings. When you dive into the water, it takes your breath away a little, but overall it’s just incredible. I recommend it! I’ve learned a lot about myself”, said Maxim Kornilkin.
The bathers noted the good organization of the holiday and the work of emergency services: rescuers, police, volunteer vigilantes and ambulances. The Epiphany bathing went great, no one needed medical help.
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Text: Maria Sanina, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko
