XIX Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

I'm so happy to report that Delhi proved all the doubters (and yes, I admit I was once one of them) wrong last night. The 2010 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex was spectacular, and something that India can be very proud of. It was a demonstration of the India that everyone wanted, and hoped, to see.

The ceremony commenced with a segment called Rhythms of India, featuring dhols, dholaks and drums from all corners of the country. Next, thousands of students sang a warm welcome to the parading athletes. Then came the speeches (never mind that Organizing Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi was, no doubt deservedly, jeered) followed by The Tree of Knowledge. Emerging from the giant tree, dancers of all forms blended to the sound of one beat.

Apart from the pyrotechnics, the highlight of the show was the Great Indian Journey, heralded by the arrival of an Indian Railways train. Aboard it, TV anchor Hussain Kuwajerwala danced to Bollywood hit 'Chaiyya Chaiyya'. What really does make India great, and so memorable, is its unique street scenes and vendors. And there were plenty of them: milkmen riding around on bicycles, tea stalls, rickshaw pullers, politicians in a white ambassador car, a wedding band, a roving bangle vendor, and a movie theater with huge cutouts of popular Bollywood actors. Just as train journeys unite India, all of them were brought together in this inspiringly choreographed segment, which really showed the world what India is all about.

Today, the Games gets underway with aquatics swimming, artistic gymnastics, and weightlifting events.

XIX Commonwealth Games CMG Opening Ceremony begins with Colour, Music and a Giant Balloon