The formal countdown to next year's Delhi Commonwealth Games began on Thursday with the ceremonial Queen's Baton relay, which saw Queen Elizabeth II handing over the glittering baton to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil in London. Before the Queen handed over to the baton to Mrs. Patil to mark the beginning of a year-long relay, a cultural show in sync with India's rich tradition was organised at the majestic Buckingham Palace. AIR correspondent reports that the Queen's Baton relay is one of the great traditions of the Commonwealth Games.