Four out of five Olympic rings are seen lit up during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
A scene from the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach of Germany and Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) stand together during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Fireworks are seen over the Olympic Park during the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Suspended figures representing different winter sports are illuminated during the opening ceremony for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova holds the Olympic Torch during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Fireworks explode after the Olympic Cauldron is been lit during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Performers take part in the opening ceremony for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics February 7, 2014.Reuters 
The Russian flag is being raised during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
A map of Russia is projected onto the stadium floor as athletes march in during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Participants perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters 
Performers dance during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 7, 2014.Reuters
The grand opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics 2014 kicked off on Friday on an embarrassing note due to technical glitches.
The Sochi Winter Games started at exactly 8.14 pm (20.14) local time and viewers from across the world watched the opening ceremony of the most expensive Olympic Games in history with the introduction of athletes.
More than 2000 artists performed at the opening ceremony, which was being held at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.
The show started with a hitch, as only four stars or snowflakes turned into Olympics rings and the fifth one failed to erupt as planned. However, Russian television viewers saw all the five snowflakes turning into rings live. But the show's producer Konstantin Ernst immediately ordered a change of image, according to Los Angeles Times.
Check out the video of the Olympic ring technical malfunction here
Leaving aside the technical malfunction, there were several other moments that mesmerized people.
The viewers were treated to an alphabetic summoning of great legends and unforgettable moments in Russian history.
Seven floating islands were created inside the stadium, which represented the diversity of the country. From Kamchatka volcanoes and the forests of the Urals to icebound Lake Baikal of Siberia, all was displayed during the opening ceremony.
The Parade of Athletes, which was one of the main shows of the opening ceremony, took place right at the beginning.
Later, the audiences were treated to music, fireworks and dance performances with amazing choreography.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Chairman of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, welcomed everyone.
"Welcome to the 2014 Olympics Winter Games in Sochi. Our city is unique, as all of Russia is unique. It is the largest country in the world where Europe meets Russia. We are proud to have the privilege to host the entire world," Chernyshenko said.
Eight well-known personality from Russia including cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, six-time Olympic speed skating champion Lidiya Skoblikova, director Nikita Mikhailkov, actress Chulpan Khamatova, journalist Anastasia Popova, ice hockey legend Vyacheslav Fetisov, conductor Valeriy Gergiev, and virtual racing driving champion Alan Enileev carried the Olympic flag into the stadium at 22.32 local time, according to Olympics.org, after which six sports legends from Russia marched in with the Olympic torch.
The three-hour spectacular show ended with a dramatic firework finale.
Click start to check the photos of the opening ceremony.
