Sunday, March 8, 2009

Commonwealth Games Baton to be Unveiled at India Gate today

Performers from Toll Theatre, London, rehearse at India Gate on Saturday
On Sunday evening, India Gate will come alive with music, fireworks and flying angels creating a symphony in mid-air. The baton for the Commonwealth relay, the Olympics equivalent of the torch relay, will be showcased for the first time in the capital before it is sent to London.

The baton, designed in Bangalore, will be unveiled by LG Tejinder Khanna in a glittering affair that will also display Commonwealth themes on the India Gate in a fascinating laser and light show. A huge stage, flanked by water screens, will be set up in front of the Amar Javan Jyoti and over 200 artists including 15 artists from UK’s famous Toll Theatre, dressed up as angels, will perform in mid-air and hand over the baton to the Game’s committee members. The troupe will be performing for the first time in the country. The baton relay will start from Buckingham Palace in November.

Rajiv Makin, director (commercial and marketing), India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), said: ‘‘The show will be open for all. About 120 private security officials other than Delhi Police personnel have been deployed for the function. Apart from performers and officials, there are about 300 people who are working hard to make the show a success. About 20,000 people are expected to witness the event.’’

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