Chennai, Nov. 8 -- Deepavali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervour in Tamil Nadu on Sunday.

People, attired in new clothes, burst crackers, distributed sweets and exchanged pleasantries with family members, friends and neighbours.

A large number of devotees along with their family members visited various temples across the state and offered special prayers. Since the day also coincided with the auspicious Amavasya (No moon day),special poojas were performed in various temples and the crowd was much higher with people standing in long queues to offer darshan.

However, intermittent rains since last night in several parts of the state, including Chennai and its adjoining districts, besides in ...