Kolkata, April 7 : Reflecting the grandeur and exuberance of Indian festivities, the glitzy and technologically stunning opening of the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL-8) began here on Tuesday at the Salt Lake stadium amid a replay of magical moments of the previous editions of the league.

The stadium erupted in celebrations even though thundershowers led to an hour-and-a-half delay.

The rain clearly failed to dampen the spirits of the nearly 15,000 patiently waiting cricket fans.

As the audience waited for the star performers -- Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor -- to fire up the show, captains of the seven of the eight teams took the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Spirit of Cricket pledge by signing a bat.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner was not present, and his teammate Shikhar Dhawan stepped in to sign the bat on behalf of the Australian.

Bollywood, cricket ramp up \'India Ka Tyohaar\' at IPL-8 opening