“Come join the celebrations”. This is Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s message to Delhiites, as the national capital begins to celebrate its biggest ever sporting extravaganza, with loads of cultural delights thrown in for the visitors.

On the eve of the opening of the Commonwealth Games, Sheila Dikshit asked Delhites to “come together” to celebrate the grand event.

“I would like to urge the citizens of Delhi to come together and join in the celebration of the Commonwealth Games,” Dikshit said inaugurating a major festival to celebrate the cultural and gourmet delights of India.

The International Food Festival and Festival of Dance and Music at Pitampura Dilli Haat is among a series of shows and exhibitions times with the Games to showcase the richness of India.

The festival at Pitampura, launched by Delhi Tourism and Coca-Cola India, is a part of – “Delhi Celebrate” – a fortnight long grand cultural fiesta to celebrate the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.

“Through Delhi Celebrate’s International Festival we want to provide Delhites and all visiting tourists an array of delectable gourmet delights as well as wholesome entertainment,” the chief minister, who has been at the forefront of Delhi’s preparations, said.

The International Festival will see artists from countries like the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal and Botswana, render their art forms.