Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 9 (IANS): The second day Friday of the week-long Onam festival brought cheer for Keralites as heavy rains, pouring down since a month in the state, have comparatively reduced.

"Since yesterday, things have changed dramatically and there is glee on everyone's face because Onam is basically an outdoor festival," said 60-year-old homemaker Savithiri Devi here.

Since 1961, Onam is the official festival of Kerala. Legend states that on Onam, Mahabali, the mythical Asura king, visits his subjects.

Since Thursday Kerala is having a holiday with most offices being shut.

"The spirit of Onam can never be dampened. Just come out onto the streets and you find it difficult to move freely," said Thomas Joseph, a medical professional.

Incidentally the most important event of the day is the traditional Onam lunch that is served traditionally on a plantain leaf.

"Yes, the 25 dish Onam lunch is a speciality... Today in all my houseboats, we are serving the full Onam lunch," said Tomy Pulikattil who owns more than a dozen houseboats that ply in the Vembanad lake in central Kerala.

Numerous hotels and caterers are ready with the traditional Onam lunch.

The lunch is priced from Rs.125 to Rs.400.