New Delhi, October 03: Watched by millions across the globe, the 19th Commonwealth Games got off to a spectacular start here Sunday evening amid traditional Indian music and a burst of colour at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the heart of the city.
Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watched as 1,000 drummers stirred up a thumping beat.
After the national anthem was sung, the opening act, Rhythm of India, set the mood for the much awaited sports event with electrifying energy.
The ‘shankh naad’ (auspicious blowing of conch shells) and fireworks then lit the sky like dawn.
A helium aerostat crowned the stadium and suspended puppets danced to life when drummers dressed from across the country gathered in unison claiming that India has arrived.
–Agencies