Gamosa


The Gamosa is an article of significance for the indigenous people of Assam, 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. Although cotton 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 Gamocha displayed in Delhi created world record as it became world’s longest hand woven piece of cloth.

Origin of the name

Literally translated, it means 'something to wipe the body with' however, interpreting the word gamosa as the body-wiping towel is misleading.

Usage

Though it may be used daily to wipe the body after a bath, the use is not restricted to this.
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. The typical designs of Assamese-lion, dragon, flying-lion, etc. were used for symbolizing various purposes and occasions.
In November 2019, the Gamusa received the Geographical Indication tag.
with Gamosa