Dazzling opening ceremony kickstarts Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

Fireworks explode over the river Clyde as Scotland ushered in the 20th Commonwealth Games with a dazzling and colourful opening ceremony which celebrated the country's culture and heritage to set the ball rolling for the 11-day sporting extravaganza. in Glasgow.(Source: AP)

The Indian contingent headed by flag-bearer and Olympic silver medallist shooter Vijay Kumar led the Parade of Nations, by virtue of being hosts in 2010 Delhi edition. (Source: AP)

Ace shooter Vijay Kumar holds the Tricolour as he leads the Indian contingent at Celtic Park during the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. (Source: PTI)

India's contingent marching past at Celtic Park during the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. (Source: PTI)

The the men looked dapper in black blazers and Gray trousers along with headgear while the women athletes were dressed in saris. (Source: PTI)

The 35,000 capacity Celtic stadium cheered as the Indians entered to the tune of popular Bollywood numbers. (Source: PTI)

As per convention, the head of Commonwealth countries Queen Elizabeth II declared the Games Open. "It is my greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open" Her Majesty said under a blue Glasgow sky to signal Scotland's third CWG and first after 1986 when Duke of Edinburgh played host. (Source: Reuters)

The flag of Australia is carried by Anna Meares during the opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. (Source: Reuters)

The flag of Canada is carried by Susan Nattrass as they arrive during the opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. (Source: Reuters)

Members of Scotland's team enter the stadium during the opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. (Source: Reuters)

The Commonwealth Games flag is carried into the arena by former athletes including Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, right, during the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games 2014. (Source: AP)

British former Olympian cyclist Chris Hoy holds up the Queen's baton during the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games 2014. (Source: AP)

Fireworks light up over the Commonwealth Games venues in Glasgow, Scotland. (Source: Reuters)

Fireworks light up over the Commonwealth Games venues. (Source: Reuters)

Fireworks explode after the opening of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. (Source: Reuters)

Fireworks explode overhead during the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games. (Source: AP)

A message is displayed on a wall of video screen during the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games 2014. (Source: AP)

Performers take part in the opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. (Source: Reuters)

Queen Elizabeth waves from her vehicle as she arrives at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. (Source: PTI)

A girl poses with a placard saying 'Proud To Be An Indian' and with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's picture at the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games. (Source: PTI)

Indians with the Tricolor cheer for their country ahead of the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games. (Source: PTI)

Indians holding the Tricolor, express their excitement for the games at the venue ahead of the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games. (Source: PTI)