A cultural extravaganza full of music, dancing and singing simply vibrated with the sounds and rhythms of India in a display of Bollywood glitz and glamour that made problems with the Athletes’ Village, health and safety concerns, corruption scandals and high profile absentees feel like a distant memory.

The highlight of the Opening Ceremony, watched by a global audience of millions and participated in by around 7,000 men, women and children, came as the Queen’s Baton Relay drew to a close.

The Baton was passed to the Prince of Wales by a group of Indian athletes competing at the Games.

The exact role of Prince Charles at the Opening Ceremony had been a source of confusion before the evening’s events with some claiming that Indian President Pratibha Patil would read the Queen’s Baton Message.

But it was Prince Charles (pictured), the Queen’s representative at the Games, who read the message within the Baton.

He read: "Just over a year ago at Buckingham Palace, I placed this message in the Baton which then began its long journey to the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

"On its way, it was carried by relay runners through all the territories of the Commonwealth as an invitation to participate in these Games.

"It is particularly fitting that the 2010 Commonwealth Games are being held in India.

"Recently we have celebrated the 60th anniversary of the London Declaration when India’s dependence bought into being the modern Commonwealth of Nations.

"Since then, it has grown from just under eight member countries to 53.

"There are now 71 Commonwealth Nations participating in these Games.

"I firmly believe that when these countries can compete in sport together like this, it can serve as an inspiration to all nations to work together for peace throughout the world.

"These Games, with their festival of sport and justice, involving the youth of the Commonwealth, would not be possible without the participation of the delegation of so many athletes and so many voluntary officials.

"To them, and to all the spectators, I send my very best wishes for what I hope will be the experience of a lifetime.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have much pleasure in declaring the 19th Commonwealth Games open."

A giant helium filled balloon hovered above the stadium for the duration if the Opening Ceremony and was used to project images on for the crowd to receive a clear view of the action that was taking place.

The Ceremony began as the Prince of Wales, his wife Camilla, The Earl of Wessex Prince Edward, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Indian President Patil and other dignitaries beingwere seated in the Royal Box for Jana Gana Mana, the National Anthem of India.

"The Rhythm of India" began proceedings and saw 800 drummers present an arresting performance of percussions while the memorable part of the segment saw Keshav, the famous two-year-old Indian prodigy, playing frantically on the tabla drum.

Next was the musical production of "Swagatam" featuring 1,050 school children perform a recreation of the "Namaste" sign, the ultimate sign of welcome and respect, to honour guests from around the world.

It was after this that the athletes took to the arena floor for the famous Athlete’s parade which saw all the 71 competing nations at the 2010 Commonwealth Games walk around the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, led by their respective flag-barer.

The countries came out in alphabetical order, with Australia leading the march, but the greatest cheer from the crowd was reserved for hosts India, who in an exception to the order came out last.

The countries’ golden boy Abhinav Bindra, the current Olympic and world champion in the 10m air rifle event, led the team out holding the Indian flag to what was unsurprisingly a defending reception.

It was then that Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Michael Fennell and Prime Minister Singh made speeches thanking the crowd and welcoming the world to India.

Kalmadi was booed by some sections of the crowd who clearly blame him for the problems that have overshadowed the build-up to these Games.

Kalmadi thanked all the officials who have contributed to the Games, which are due to last until October 14, but pointedly omitted CGF chief executive Mike Hooper.

Hooper has been stationed in New Delhi for nearly three years to oversee the Games preparedness but has regularly clashed with Kalmadi, who demanded last year that he be sacked.

Prince Charles then read the Queen’s message declaring the Games open before President Patil made a speech following The Prince of Wales stating: "Let the Games begin".

The CGF Flag was raised and the athletes pledge made on behalf of all the competitors at the Games by Bindra.

A Tree of Knowledge segment followed with dances portraying the changing seasons that represent the passing of knowledge form the tree.

A yoga performance then took centre stage - illustrating the union of body, mind and soul - before a musical production of “The Great Indian Journey” depicted India’s long past right the way through to their present via a moving train.

A tribute to legendary Indian Mahatma Gandhi, the pre-eminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement early last centaury, was then performed before the Commonwealth Games theme song - Live…Rise…Move…Win - was sung.

Finally, a vibrant performance of Jiyo, Utho, Bado, Jeeto, the musical finale from the film Slumdog Millionaire, by Bollywood superstar AR Rahman drew the colourful proceedings to a close.

The long Opening Ceremony can certainly be considered a huge success for India though it involved one of the biggest security operations the country had ever witnessed.

Some 100,000 security personnel were deployed across the Indian capital while the 80,000 police on duty were reinforced by 17,000 paramilitary troops to counter the danger of an attack by extremists.

Delhi’s shops, markets and restaurants remained shut for the entire day with a fine imposed on any person found operating a commercial establishment.

Before the event, their were concerns that a number of teams could boycott the Opening Ceremony or send a token presence because they were unhappy that athletes who were set to compete on Monday would not be able to leave early.

But, after talks with organisers that preparation for competition is not compromised, athletes were allowed to exit the ceremony any time up to 30 minutes before the end.

The 19th edition of the Games will see more than 6,800 athletes and officials, the biggest-ever assembly in the history of the multi-discipline event which began in 1930.

"Our dream is coming true and India's big moment is finally here," Kalmadi said.

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