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 raptures welcome. The ceremony began soon after the arrival of the guests of honour President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and several other dignitaries. The stadium reverberated with the beatings of the drums 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 aerostat 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.