Guwahati, Feb. 5: The rich culture and vast talent of the Northeast was on display and the message of brotherhood palpable as the curtains went up on the 12th South Asian Games here this evening.

Declaring the 12-day event open at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here to thunderous applause, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his vision for South Asia was the same as that for India - Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, his Meghalaya counterpart Mukul Sangma and Union minister for sports Sarbananda Sonowal also dwelt on unity and friendship in their short speeches delivered before the Games opened to an "electrifying" ceremony. Meghalaya is co-hosting the event. Sterling singers of the Northeast - Lou Majaw, Zubeen Garg, Papon, Nahid Afreen, Mayukh Hazarika and members of the Shillong Chamber Choir - paid tribute to the legendary Bhupen Hazarika in a scintillating performance with the rendition of his song, We Are In The Same Boat Brother. Mayukh sang the theme songof the Games, Ei Prithibi Ek Kridangan (the world is a playground), also composed by Hazarika.

Traditional beats and vibrant dances from the region, including Bihu, as well as other parts of the nation were performed with equal finesse. Then there were Bollywood numbers, Chup Chup ke by Nahid and Moh Moh Ke Dhaage by Papon, which left the crowd in raptures.

The mighty Brahmaputra too featured prominently - in Modi's speech and in the merging of waters from leading rivers of each participating nation into the Brahmaputra to signify oneness.

"Never before have we experienced something like this before, showcasing and celebrating our culture and stars. What a show, what an electrifying show. Everything was so orderly and in time. It was meticulous. Guwahati can take a bow," said Gaytri Miri Pegu from the Indian Railways, who came with her son, Abhigyan, a Class VIII student, in tow.

Gayatri, who had also attended the 2007 National Games opening ceremony at the same venue, said, "So much international exposure is good for the state and for Guwahati. I have come to support the Games." There were many who expressed similar sentiments.

Encompass, a Delhi-based company, which organised the opening show, had started work a month ago. Several hundred people were involved in getting the show right, one of the organisers said. He said it was teamwork at its best.

The spirit was evident in the reactions of all those involved - from the cops to the volunteers.

Policeman D.K. Saikia said putting in a few extra hours did not matter. He usually has a seven-hour shift at the venue, starting 6am, but today he toiled, like thousands of other security personnel, without a break or complaint. "After all it is for our state and for Guwahati," he said.

For volunteer Harsha Pareek, a mass communications student at Gauhati University, the event has been an eye-opener. "Never before have I met or interacted with so many people, national and international. It's been a wonderful experience. I'm glad I volunteered."

The crowd, too, was extremely disciplined, though very much into the proceedings. It cheered lustily as participating countries marched past and athletes ran with the Games torch, as the flame was lit by footballer Bhaichung Bhutia. The audience applauded the dazzling cultural shows and paid tribute to Hazarika with the singers, complimenting at every step the magic of Northeast India.

The stands had started filling up from 2pm, slowly and steadily, the thick security blanket leaving no space for any kind of nuisance.Restricted entry through invitation and tickets helped.

When the lights dimmed for the show, cell phone flashlights glowed like stars.

Games mascot Tikhor entered at 4.25pm, the Assam Police band at 4.49pm, the lights were switched off at 5pm and the man of the moment, chief guest Modi was beamed on the in-stadia giant screens sharply at 5.05 pm. Gogoi, in his speech, took a dig at Modi while referring to the Games mascot. "One should be smart and intelligent like him (Tikhor) but not someone who divides the society," he said.

The ceremony began with athletes' marchpast, alongside Games mascot Tikhor, at 5.10pm. Afghanistan led the marchpast with hosts India coming in last. Each country's contingent had two children - a boy and a girl - in front holding the waters from a river from their country. The waters from Kabul (Afghanistan), Sindhu (Pakistan), Indian Ocean (Maldives, as it has no river), Mahaweli (Sri Lanka), Padma (Bangladesh), Kosi (Nepal), Manas (Bhutan) and Brahmaputra (India) were later mixed as one to show oneness of South Asia and then taken to be immersed in the Brahmaputra.

Before declaring the Games open to the beats of dhol and pepa, Modi said on a sporting note: "I always say jo khele, wo khile (those who play, shine)."

He said the meet "signifies togetherness" of South Asia. "In sports, we can forget what separates us and celebrate our diversity. Let's play for peace, progress and prosperity," Modi told the participating nations. Praising the crowd, he said: "What has moved me today is your electrifying presence and enthusiasm for a sports meet."

Both Gogoi and Sangma projected the Northeast as great hosts and urged the participants to become the ambassadors of the region to the outside world.

Well begun is half done. Time for Northeast and Guwahati to take a bow.