Chennai, Aug 23 - The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated across Tamil Nadu Sunday with people thronging temples and making 'kozhakattai', a sweet said to be a favourite of the elephant-headed Hindu god.

Devotees offered prayers at temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. And many houses wore a festive look as several people held special prayers at home too.

The aroma of 'kozhakattai', a rice flour and jaggery dumpling, wafted through many of the kitchen windows. After offering prayers on the occasion, neighbours and friends got together to share 'kozhakattais'.

Roadside vendors did brisk business till Saturday evening, selling Vinayaka idols, flowers and holy arugam grass.

Public celebrations were also held in most parts of capital Chennai with huge Ganesh idols placed inside decorative marquees and loudspeakers blaring devotional songs.