Chennai, Sep 19 (IANS): The birthday of Lord Ganesh, or Vinayaka Chaturthi as it is known in Tamil Nadu, was celebrated across the state with customary fervour Wednesday.

Tens of thousands of devotees thronged temples to pray to the elephant-headed Hindu god in the morning.

The day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Homes wore a festive look with the doors decorated with streamers made of mango and coconut leaves. People woke up early to perform prayers to clay-cast Ganesh idols adorned with flowers.

After offering prayers, neighbours and friends got together to share 'akozhakattais', a rice flour and jaggery dumpling said to be the favourite dish of the elephant-headed Hindu god.

Roadside vendors did brisk business selling Vinayaka (Ganesh) idols, flowers and holy arugam grass though their prices went up drastically compared to the previous year.

Public celebrations were held in most parts of Chennai, with huge Ganesh idols placed inside decorative marquees. Loudspeakers blared devotional songs.