Queen’s 1812 Onam Gift Reveals Royal Tradition That Still Lives On!
Travancore queen’s 1812 Onakkodi gift shows deep Onam roots.
As Kerala prepares for the vibrant Onam festival, the tradition of gifting Onakkodi—new clothes—remains a cherished custom, deeply rooted in the history of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. Historical records reveal that over two centuries ago, Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai, who ruled Travancore from 1810 to 1812 and served as Regent until 1815, gifted Onakkodi to British Resident Colonel John Munro, marking the festival’s significance.
This gesture, documented in the Kerala Society Papers, was presented as a prasadam of Lord Sree Padmanabha, the titular deity of the Travancore royals, symbolizing love and reverence during the auspicious Thiruvonam day, which coincides with the deity’s sacred birthday in the Malayalam month of Chingam.
In letters dated Chingam 11, 988 Malayalam Era (1812), Rani Lakshmi Bai, mother of visionary king Swathi Thirunal, expressed familial warmth, addressing Munro as a brother and extending Onakkodi to his wife and children. She also conveyed concern for the health of Munro’s family, praying to Lord Padmanabha for their recovery and urging them to accept the gift as part of the traditional practice.
Historian T.P. Sankarankutty Nair, former Head of the Department of History at the University of Kerala, notes that Thiruvonam holds special significance for the Travancore royals, with gift exchanges, including Onakkodi, being a centuries-old custom. Records also indicate that Munro reciprocated by presenting Onakkodi to the queen, underscoring the mutual respect embedded in this tradition.
The practice of gifting during Onam extends beyond the royals, with historical accounts citing a Vijayanagara king offering a precious crown to Lord Padmanabha on Thiruvonam day, as referenced in Robert Sewell’s A Forgotten Empire. The Kani tribe’s tradition of presenting thirumulkazhcha—honey, forest products, and handmade items—to the royal family in exchange for Onakkodi persists, reflecting the festival’s enduring cultural legacy.
Tied to the legend of King Mahabali, Onam celebrates equality and prosperity, with Thiruvonam on September 5, 2025, continuing to unite Malayalis worldwide in this vibrant tradition of giving.
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