Flying drummers, Chinese percussionists, fireworks, and some of the biggest film stars in the country, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif performed at the ceremony. 

The opening ceremony began with a traditional welcome during which a huge balloon carrying the IPL Cup descended on the stadium in a segment titled 'The IPL Universe' where the nine teams are seen as planets. 

A large troup of 300 dancers performed on a track composed by Bollywood composer Pritam. 

A troupe of 19 Red Poppy artistes, a band of women percussionists from China, added to another international touch to the celebrations. 

The Salt Lake stadium, mainly used for hosting football matches, has been decorated in a lavish way, which includes a mammoth-size stage for the opening show. 

The opening ceremony have cheerleaders, flying drummers, gymnasts, rhythm acrobats, stilt-walkers, air-tumblers and mass dancers coming together to entertain the audiences. 

Before the start of the two-month long exhilarating cricket, the opening ceremony of IPL 6, described as the greatest show ever in India by the organisers, would stay true to its theme of 'cricketainment'. 

Never before in cricket has any private tournament been as successful as the IPL and it is expected to be a rollicking affair once again when the nine franchises lock horns for the coveted title. 

The Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, had earned the right to host the opening ceremony. 

KKR will also host the IPL opener, on Wednesday, when they take on Delhi Daredevils at the Eden Gardens that will also witness the summit clash on May 26. 

The IPL 6 offers a total prize purse of Rs 25 crore that includes Rs 10 crore for the winners and Rs 7.5 crore for the runners up. 

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had promised a "spectacular and never-seen-before" opening ceremony. 

Last year, American pop star Katy Perry had performed during the opening ceremony of IPL 5 in Chennai.