Thiruvananthapuram: As Onam approaches, people across Kerala are busy buying new clothes to gift their loved ones on the auspicious "Thiruvonam" day. Historical records, however, reveal that the tradition of gifting “onakkodi” (new clothes) has been a part of Kerala’s cultural fabric for centuries.

A rare historical document shows that over two centuries ago, a queen of Travancore gifted “onakkodi” to a British Resident, asking him to accept it as a "prasadam" (gracious gift) of Lord Sree Padmanabha, the titular deity of the Travancore royals.

Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai, who ruled the princely state from 1810-1812 and served as Regent until her death in 1815, presented the gift to Colonel John Munro, the first European Diwan of Travancore, to mark the Onam celebrations. Munro had also initiated the modernisation of the administration in the state.

Two letters from Queen Lakshmi Bai to Munro and his wife, preserved in the Kerala Society Papers, reveal her thoughtful gesture. In a letter dated Chingam 11 in the 988th year of the Malayalam calendar, she wrote:

"Therefore, I am sending the Onakkodi to Colonel, who is like a brother to me, your wife and children. I hope you may graciously accept my gift and make my heart happy."

In a separate letter to Munro’s wife on the same day, the queen expressed concern for their health, saying her mind had been upset over their illness. She added that she had prayed to Lord Padmanabha for their speedy recovery and requested updates about their well-being, along with acceptance of the "onakkodi" as part of tradition.

Historian T P Sankarankutty Nair noted, “The Thiruvonam day in the Malayalam month of Chingam is very special to Travancore royals, as the 'Thirunaal' of the Lord also falls on the same day. Gift exchange, including the presentation of new clothes during Onam, had been a practice prevalent among the royals for centuries, with evidence dating back to the 1800s.”

Records also indicate that Colonel Munro presented an Onakkodi to the queen in return, demonstrating that the custom was reciprocal.

“Once, Onam was celebrated across South India, but over time, it became largely confined to Kerala. Records also show rulers of other kingdoms visiting Travancore during Onam, presenting gifts to Lord Padmanabha and the royal family,” Nair added.

The tradition continues among Kerala’s Kani tribe, who present “thirumulkazhcha” (offerings) of honey, forest produce, and handmade articles to the Travancore royals during Onam, receiving Onakkodi in exchange.

Onam, according to folklore, commemorates the annual return of the mythical king Mahabali, under whose rule everyone lived in happiness and equality. Envious Devas sought Lord Vishnu’s help to banish Mahabali, but before leaving, he secured a boon to visit his subjects every year on Thiruvonam Day.