Onam celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety 

Onam was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in households in Madurai.

C. Sujatha, who has now settled down in Madurai, said the preparations for the celebrations began on Thursday evening itself. Family members and friends had gathered in her house and began the preparations. They planned the pookalam and the grand Onam sadya to be served for the guests.

On Friday, the colourful pookalam (flower rangoli) was arranged and a lamp was placed in the middle of the pookalam. The grand Onam sadya was prepared which featured a wide array of dishes, she said. People celebrated the festival by inviting guests home and offering the grand meal.