Performers in Delhi were ready before dawn for celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of India's landmark uprising against British rule.

The British were represented by a giant floating ghoul.

Artists from around the country took part.

Indian historians call the uprising the First War of Independence. UK historians call it a mutiny.

PM Manmohan Singh (r) called the revolt "a shining example of our national unity".

The carnival atmosphere contrasts with the brutal events of 1857 in which thousands of people were killed.

The revolt led to the British government taking over direct rule from the East India Company.