As the clock struck seven and beautiful fireworks lit the sky to signal the start of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, a huge helium balloon lifted up from the centre of the jampacked Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with colourful pupets dangling from it to welcome the spectators.
The Rs
70 crore aerostat was the star attraction of the ceremony that showcased India's rich culture.
The aerostat is said to be the biggest helium balloon in the world. Being used for the first time for an entertainment event, the aerostat was suspended 25 metres above the ground.
Sized at 40 metresX80 metresX12 metres, the aerostat has a 360 degree projection surface.
Manufactured by Per Lindstrandt and designed by Merk Fsher, it has an underbelly that reflects the lighting on the field of play.