NEW DELHI: A dazzling display of fireworks and spectacular light and sound show marked the opening ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Playing of the national anthem and blowing of the conch marked the entry of the athletes into the stadium, with over 60,000 spectators giving the players rapturous welcome.
The ceremony began soon after the arrival of the guests of honour President, Pratiha Devi Singh Pati, Prince of Charles, Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and several other dignitaries.
The stadium reverberated with the beatings of the drums and nagadaas and a child artist, Keshav stole the show as he joined the drummers from various states.
In traditional indian style over thousand school children joined singer, Hariharan in the welcome song, Swagatham.
They flashed the welcome sign even as the aerostate beamed the message of welcome in 23 different languages.
The formal part of the opening ceremony began with Australia, the host of the last commonwealth games, marching into the stadium. The other teams followed in alphabetic order.
The entire stadium applauded as the Indian team led by the only Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra made their way into the venue.
For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games, the athletes made their way into the stadium in the initial section of the opening ceremony. So that they also could witness the dazzling light, sound and music show depicting India’s glorious culture and heritage. Everyone we spoke to had nothing to complain except praise for what they saw.
Ruby Dala, a Canadian Parliamentarian said the country has risen to the occasion. Shoaib Manzara of South Africa was also thrilled to be part of the show.
Both young and old were mesmerised by the performance put up by the 7,000 artists.
Shiva, a class seventh student was stunned by A R Rahman’s brilliant performance.
The 19th Commonwealth Games was jointly declared open by President of India, Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prince Charles of Britain. The Queen’s baton was handed over by Beijing Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar to Prince Charles who read out the Queen’s message.
President Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil said sport, has always been, a powerful bridge, across cultures and people. Addressing jam packed stadium with a sitting capacity of 60 thousand people she asked participating countries to experience rich heritage and cultural diversity of India during their stay.
In his address, Chairman of the Commonwealth organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi said, India is ready to host a great Commonwealth Games. He said, despite the adverse publicity, all the Commonwealth nations stood by India as Delhi games become the largest ever in the history of the Commonwealth Games.
In his brief address, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said, millions are waiting eagerly to watch the Games unfold. He said that the games are an occasion to uphold and renew the essential spirit of the Commonwealth that seeks to promote peace, equality and friendship among all people and nations.
Earlier, the spanking new Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium turned into a golden hue as the aerostat lifted into the skies and a number of puppets danced and over 800 drummers heralded the event. A spectacular laser fireworks show lit up the evening sky and India took a giant leap.(AIR)