As Onam approaches, the tradition of gifting 'Onakkodi' (new clothes) in Kerala is drawing attention to its historical roots. Records suggest this practice was prevalent centuries ago in the erstwhile Travancore. A notable instance highlights Queen Gouri Lakshmi Bai of Travancore gifting 'Onakkodi' to a British Resident, Colonel John Munro, over two centuries ago. This act wasn't merely a customary exchange but was offered as a "prasadam" (blessed offering) of Lord Sree Padmanabha, the titular deity of the Travancore royals.

Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai ruled the princely state from 1810 to 1812 and then continued as a Regent until her death in 1815. She gifted the 'Onakkodi' to Colonel John Munro, who also served as the first European Diwan of Travancore, to celebrate Onam. Munro is credited with initiating the modernization of the administration in Travancore.

Two separate letters written by Queen Lakshmi Bai to Colonel Munro and his wife, gifting them 'Onakkodi,' are preserved in the "Kerala Society Papers," a collection of rare historical documents and royal decrees published by the state government. In a letter dated 1812, the queen emphasized that 'Thiruvonam,' the most auspicious day of the ten-day Onam festivities, was also the 'Thirunaal' (holy day) of Lord Padmanabha. She noted the custom of gifting 'Onakkodi' to loved ones on 'Thiruvonam' in the Malayalam month of Chingam, coinciding with both Onam and the 'Thirunal' of Lord Padmanabha. The queen conveyed that the gift was given with "utmost love and affection".

In her letter, Queen Lakshmi Bai addressed Colonel Munro as a brother and expressed her hope that he, his wife, and children would graciously accept the 'Onakkodi,' bringing joy to her heart. This historical exchange underscores the deep-rooted cultural significance of Onam and the 'Onakkodi' tradition in Kerala, highlighting a time when a royal gesture transcended cultural boundaries, fostering goodwill between the Travancore kingdom and its European counterparts.