New Delhi: Music ranging from heavy metal and electronic to folk and fusion kept the audience spellbound as popular bands from SAARC countries performed here over the weekend.

Fourteen bands from eight countries representing a range of music genres came together to spread the message of peace and brotherhood.

"It is a great initiative and platform for people to people contact. Nobody can stop us if we come together as one," said Bilal, singer, Pakistani band Strings.

Strings were an instant hit and had the crowd on their feet swaying to the rhythm.

"Strings is a great band and their lyrics are amazing. I could stay here and listen to them all night," said Wasfia, a college student and ardent fan.

Loud cheers greeted all the bands as they performed a wide range of popular folk and contemporary rock numbers. in Bhutanese, Hindi and Bengali.

Strings (Pakistan), Bangla (Bangladesh), Stigmata (Sri Lanka), Zero Degree Atoll (Maldives), Aryan Band (Afghanistan), Norling band (Bhutan), Abhaya and the Steam Injuns (Nepal) were some of the bands which participated in the three-day festival.

Fans witnessed a variety of popular numbers including "Arre ruk ja re bande" (Indian Ocean), "Duur" (Strings) and "Tere bin nahin lagda" (Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan).

"There are no boundaries for music and it has the power to bring the world together," said Anusheh Anadil, lead singer, 'Bangla' fusion band. Their folk compositions in Bengali drew an enthusiastic response from the audience.

"The idea is to draw SAARC out of diplomatic boardrooms and bring it to the public. We are planning a SAARC theatre festival early next year. There is a plan to organise more such events in each of the SAARC countries," said Amit Kilam of Indian Ocean which also performed here.

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