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The Gamosa of Assam is an article of significance for the people of
Assam
Assam (, , ) is a state in Northeast India, northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra Valley, Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . It is the second largest state in Northeast India, nor ...
, India. It is generally a white rectangular piece of cloth with primarily a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the fourth (in addition to red, other colors are also used). Although cotton
Cotton (), first recorded in ancient India, is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus '' Gossypium'' in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure ...
yarn is the most common material for making/weaving gamosas, there are special occasion ones made from Pat silk.
A 1,455.3 meter long Gamusa displayed in Delhi created world record as it became the world's longest hand woven piece of cloth.
Origin of the name
Literally translated, it means 'something to wipe the body with' (''Ga''=body, ''musa''=to wipe) however, interpreting the word ''gamosa'' as the towel is misleading. The word gamosa is derived from the Kamrupi word gamsaw, the cloth used to cover the Bhagavad Purana at the altar.Usage
Though it is used as a turban or scarf, the use is not restricted to this. *It is used to cover the altar at the prayer hall or cover the scriptures. An object of reverence is never placed on the bare ground, but always on a ''gamusa''. *It is used by the farmer, fishermen or hunter as a waistcloth (''tongali'') or a loincloth (''suriya''). *A Bihu dancer wraps it around the head with a fluffy knot (see picture). *It is hung around the neck at the prayer hall (''naamghar'') and was thrown over the shoulder in the past to signify social status. *Guests are welcomed with the offering of a ''gamusa'' and ''tamul'' (betel nut
The areca nut ( or ) or betel nut () is the fruit of the areca palm ('' Areca catechu''). The palm is originally native to the Philippines, but was carried widely through the tropics by the Austronesian migrations and trade since at least 1 ...
) and elders are offered gamusas (referred to as ''bihuwaan'' in this case) during Bihu.
*It may be used as a towel to wipe the body after a bath (an act of purification).
One can therefore, very well say, that the ''gamusa'' symbolizes the indigenous life and culture of Assam.
Cultural significance
Significantly the ''gamusa'' is used equally by all irrespective of religious and ethnic backgrounds. At par with ''gamusa'', there are beautifully woven symbolic clothes with attractive graphic designs being used by different cultural sub-systems and ethno-cultural groups as well. There were various other symbolic elements and designs traditionally in use, which are now only found in literature, art, sculpture, architecture, etc. or used for only religious purposes (in particular occasions only). The typical designs of Assamese-lion, dragon, flying-lion, etc. were used for symbolizing various purposes and occasions. On December 13 of 2022, Gamosa of Assam received theGeographical Indication
A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town or region). The use of a geographical indication, as an indication of the product's source, is inten ...
tag.
See also
* Jaapi * Mekhela chador * Textiles and dresses of Assam * Xorai * NamgharNotes and references
External links
{{Clothing in South Asia Culture of Assam Textiles and clothing of Assam Scarves Indian clothing Culture of India Geographical indications in Assam Geographical indications in India Festivals in Assam