An eating competition held as part of the Onam celebrations ended on a sad note as a 55-year-old contender for the title died as an idli got stuck in his throat in a village near here.

According to police, Kandamuthan got suffocated as he downed idlis in quick succession on the Thiru Onam day on Monday.

Though he was rushed to a local hospital, he died soon.

The competition was organised by a village arts club.

BS