"Now I'm a true Russian!": An African man took a dip in the icy waters during the Epiphany celebrations in Irkutsk.

21-year-old Bello Muhammad Yakubu is a student originally from the hot climate of Nigeria, where average temperatures reach +35 degrees both day and night. However, for the past three years, he has been living in Irkutsk, studying programming at IRNITU (Polytechnic University). Today, Muhammad woke up to find himself a star across all social networks! The photo of the student bathing in the Jordan River at Lake Jakobi during Epiphany circulated widely in local communities, even shared by the Irkutsk diocese. The snapshot was taken by KP-Irkutsk.

Decided to try it out of curiosity

- To be honest, I knew nothing about Epiphany bathing before. Just the day before, on January 18, a friend told me about this ancient tradition, – Muhammad admits. – So, just out of curiosity, I decided to join my friends.

He arrived at the Jordan River set up at Lake Jakobi as one of the first participants, showcasing an exotic appearance for Siberia.

He arrived at the Jordan River set up at Lake Jakobi as one of the first participants. Photo: Elena Palshina

- I must admit, when I left the house in the morning, I was already thinking of backing out, - says Muhammad. – After all, it was -9 degrees outside, and the water was icy! At this time of year, the water in the lake is about +3 degrees.

But he went to the lake to have a look, and there he decided to take the plunge!

- When I got into the water, it was freezing! – the student recounts his sensations. - But when I came out of the bath, I felt my body become very warm. Then my hands and feet became extremely cold. I’ve never even taken a contrast shower or splashed cold water on myself. I love warmth.

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After the photos of the African American bathing in the ice hole spread across social media, Muhammad became a true celebrity. Photo: from the personal archive of the publication's hero

He emerged from the Jordan to loud applause and cheers, quickly wrapping himself in warm clothing.

- I was the center of attention. Many approached me to express their admiration and praise my actions. They said that not all Orthodox Christians dare to plunge into the ice hole in the cold. But I did! They said I was now a “true Russian!”. My friends were also surprised that I went through with it.

Afraid of getting sick

Muhammad confesses that he was worried about catching a cold after such an extreme plunge into cold water. So, as a preventive measure against illness, he ate a bowl of borscht when he got home. He admits this has become a proven way for him to avoid catching a cold.

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For the last three years, Muhammad has been living in Irkutsk, studying programming at IRNITU. Photo: from the personal archive of the publication's hero

- I sent photos to my relatives in Nigeria. They were shocked. They said I was out of my mind (laughs). Overall, I really enjoyed it! I think I could dive into the ice hole again. But I won't do it again since it's an Orthodox tradition, and I am still a Muslim.

After the photos of the African American bathing in the ice hole circulated on social media, Muhammad became a true celebrity.

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Muhammad admits that he was worried about catching a cold after such an extreme plunge into cold water. Photo: from the personal archive of the publication's hero

- People at the university approached me all day, even from other groups, saying they saw me in the photos. They ask about my feelings. It's unusual! Now I plan to swim in Baikal sometime. Even though I have been living in Siberia for three years, I never dared to go in. It was cold! But now I think after bathing in the ice hole – I can handle that too!