LUCKNOW, Nov. 25 -- Energy surged through the Defence Expo ground here on Monday as thousands of scouts and guides from India and abroad opened the diamond jubilee edition of the 19th National Jamboree with a vibrant mix of performances, turning the venue into a lively panorama of colours, music and movement. The gathering also marked the start of week-long activities bringing participants together from diverse regions.

Governor Anandiben Patel flagged off the celebrations from an open flower-decked jeep, followed by a march past featuring contingents from Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and several Indian states. The ceremony brought together traditions from across regions through malkham, lezim, bhangra, tribal dance forms, band perform...