Spectacular Opening Ceremony Sets The Tone For XIX Commonwealth Games

Alien-ship like, the Aerostat hovered magically over the JawaharLal Nehru Stadium. Changing color, reflecting images, this mammoth balloon set the tone for the evening. Spectacular, in a single word, says it all. If the aliens were watching, they would have surely gone back impressed.

On view were eclectic elements of Indian culture. The fusion of drums, the power of yoga, the symphony of classical dances, the learning tree, the Great Indian Journey…each was a show stopper in its own right.

And yes, amidst all the pomp and revelry, there were the mandatory speeches, the marching contingents and the flag hoisting.

The overwhelming feel was that of a wonderful celebration where we all leave aside the vicissitudes of life and surrender ourselves to a moment where it is easy to believe in all things magical. Let the Games begin.

Dancers Perform At The Opening Ceremony

The World's Largest Helium Balloon Set The Stage For A Spectacular Show

(Pics: Sanjay Kumar)