1 Oct 2010

Opening and Closing ceremonies

11:18 pm on 1 October 2010

Organisers remain tight-lipped ahead of the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies, but media commentators are expecting a fanfare of Bollywood proportions.

India's rich culture and history are expected to be on display, as will be a massive display of fireworks, dancing and appearances by entertainers.

Popular singer Rahman, who has composed a theme song for the Games, will perform live at the Opening Ceremony on 3 October.

The event will also include a parade of participating nations which will be led by Australia - the host of the previous Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The Indian team as host nation will bring up a triumphant close.

The Queen's Baton Relay will also reach its final destination during the Opening Ceremony. The baton, which has travelled through 71 countries, will be carried into the stadium and the Queen's message, which is inside the baton, will be read aloud.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are expected to be in attendance at the Opening Ceremony.

The Closing Ceremony on 14 October will include the presentation of the Commonwealth Games ceremonial flag to Glasgow, which will host the next Games in 2014.

Cultural events are also expected to be staged throughout the city of Delhi for citizens unable to attend the lavish ceremony.

The opening and closing events will be held at the newly refurbished Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which seats 60,000 spectators.