India has displayed a dazzling and vibrant opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games, the country's biggest sporting spectacle, watched live by a global audience of around three billion. The 19th Commonwealth Games was jointly declared open by President of India, Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prince Charles of Britain. In a spectacular opening ceremony, after the Queen's baton was handed over by Beijing Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar to Prince Charles, he read out the Queen's message. Prince Charles, representing Queen Elizabeth, the head of the Commonwealth said, it is fitting that these Games are being held in India and he firmly believes that when countries can compete in sports together like this, it helps all nations to search together for peace throughout the world. President Mrs Patil in her speech 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, 28 years after it hosted the Asian Games. Celebrating the spirit of India, the performers from 18 states showcased the richness, vibrancy and diversity in the country's folk culture amid thunderous cheers from about 60,000 crowd. Apart from Dr Manmohan Singh, his cabinet ministers, former President APJ Abdul Kalam, Congress President Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Maldives President Mohammed Nashid, Prince of Monaco Albert II, Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell, a host of dignitaries were present at the ceremony. The ceremony which encapsulated a fascinating mix of culture and modernity, kept the spectators enthralled for more than two and a half hours. It set the stage for 12 days of intense competition for over 6800 athletes from 71 countries vying for honours. The main attraction of the event was the aerostat, a giant helium balloon dramatically lifted to its full height amid the sounds of Nagada drums. Keshav, a child prodigy from Auroville, Puducherry, was the cynosure of all eyes for his tabla rendition. The musical production of Swagatam, a rendition of a blend of Hindustani and Carnatic that finally climaxed into a Quawalli, was performed by Hariharan. Over a thousand school children performed a choreography of the Namaste sign, which presented the 23 officially recognised languages of India through projections on the aerostat. There was also a section dedicated to the great tradition of learning which unfolded under the Knowledge Tree, a sacred space of Learning presenting the Indian Classical dance and music that have been passed on through the Guru shishya Parampara. The production comprised six classical dances of India, including Odissi from Orissa, Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu, Kathak from North India, Manipuri from Manipur, Mohiniattam from Kerala and Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh. India's Yogic way of life was also on display with a presentation of the practice of YOGA – the ultimate union of the body, mind and soul. Then there was the Great Indian Journey, where a train made a grand arrival as the Cheraw dancers from Mizoram did the Bamboo dance to give the Rhythm for the train. There was also a segment on Mahatma Gandhi, where the Father of nation was paid rich tribute through a simplistic, humanistic form, depicted through sand animation based on the historic moment of the Dandi March with Mahatma's favourite hymn, Vaishnavo Janato playing in the background. Folk dancers from various corners of the country also came together to rejoice and dance in celebration of the message of the Mahatma, showcasing the ultimate richness in India's folk culture. The opening ceremony finally culminated with the rendition of Oscar winning music composer AR Rahman's CWG 2010 Anthem — Jeeyo, Utho, Badho, Jeeto (Live, Rise, Move, Win) to inspire all the athletes to give them the push to victory. Earlier, the athletes parade began in which 71 women, dressed in sarees that not only represents different designs form the various Indian corners but also myriad patterns, colours and styles, carried their country's placards. The 619-member strong Indian contingent, which had Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra as the flag-bearer, drew the loudest cheers as it walked into the jam-packed stadium. The Queen's Baton, which traversed through all the 71 Commonwealth nations made a grand entry with Bindra being given the honour. Badminton star Saina Nehwal, Beijing Olympic Games bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh and wrestler Sushil Kumar were the others who carried the baton. AIR correspondent reports that for the first time in Games history the athletes who took part in the march past were later seated on the periphery to watch the remaining part of the pageant. A tight security blanket was thrown around the capital with snipers too placed on building terraces situated on the periphery of the stadium's approach roads ahead of the commencement. The 19th edition of the Games will see more than 6,800 athletes and officials, the biggest-ever assembly in the history of the multi-discipline event which began in 1930, taking part in 17 disciplines ranging from athletics to netball and lawn bowls. Competitions in 17 disciplines would commence in earnest today with eight gold medals being decided.