The ceremony set the stage for 11 days of intense competition, which will see over 7000 athletes from 71 countries vying for honours.

A spectacular laser fireworks show lit up the evening sky and India took a giant leap, 28 years after it hosted the Asian Games.

The past few weeks of negative publicity that had dogged the nearly Rs 70,000 crore mega-event was quickly forgotten as the glittering opening ceremony, which encapsulated a fascinating mix of culture and modernity, kept the spectators enthralled for more than two hours.

Against the backdrop of an early October sunset, the spanking new Jawaharlal Nehru stadium turned into a golden hue as the Rs 44 crore aerostat lifted into the skies and a bevy of puppets danced and over 800 drummers heralded the event.

Let the Games begin!
Athletes from the Cook Islands arrive onto the field of the XIX Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi

England athletes led by flag bearer Nathan Robertson take part in the opening ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi

Brunei Darussalam athletes led by flag bearer Ampuan Ahad take part in the opening ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi

The Australian contingent at the opening ceremony.

Athletes from Canada take part in the opening ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi

A memorable performance indeed!

School children perform during the XIX Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi

India showcases to the Commonwealth its culture and tradition at the opening ceremony of the Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

A grand tribute to the tricolour.

A performer hits a giant drum at the Ceremony.

Giant puppets from Rajasthan left the viewers awestruck.

Fireworks light up the Jawaharlal nehru Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Pyrotechnics set off as the aerostat rises.

An interior view of the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at the start of the XIX Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.