New Delhi: It was a tussle of a different kind as troupes from India and Pakistan tried to outperform each other in a qawwali competition that ended on a note of love and friendship.

 The occasion was Mehfil-e-Shama Parvana , where qawwali artistes from both countries lent their voices to sher and shairi and witty couplets. On the occasion of the 14th annual day function of Indian Women Press Corps (IWPS), the two groups locked horns as President Pratibha Patil along with the entire audience were left mesmerized.

 The Pakistani side was represented by Mohammad Zaman Zaki who started the competition. Chanchal Bharti and her troupes promptly replied with the song, "Pyar na Hindu hain, aur na Musalman hain.

 Pyar to admi ki niyat ki pehchan hain. (Love is neither Hindu nor Muslim. It is the identity of one s intentions)". The competition, which was held last evening, lasted for over two hours in which the troupes touched upon aspects of love, disloyalty, enmity and friendship.

 "This is a very strong fight between India and Pakistan amid an ambiance of friendship and brotherhood," Indian Council of Cultural Relations chairman Karan Singh said.

 President Patil felicitated the artists by presenting them shawl and bouquet. "This is the forum to display love and friendship between the two countries," Singh said.

Source : PTI