The Gamosa or Gamusa is (from Assamese গা (ga) and মোচা (mosa) 'Body wipes or Towel') 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 (in addition to red, other colors are also used). Although cotton yarn is the most common material for making/weaving gamosas, there are special occasion ones made from

Pat silk Pat silk or White pat silk, Mulberry silk of Assam ( Assamese: পাট ৰেচম) is a variety of domestic silk in Assam, India. It is usually brilliant white or off-white in colour. Its cloth can dry in shadow. The larvae of the '' Pat S ...

. 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. The Gamusa has its original from either the Tai people or from other people in East and South-East Asia using similar article.

Usage

Though it may be used daily to wipe the body after a bath (an act of purification), 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'') or Gamsa; 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) and elders are offered gamusas (referred to as ''bihuwaan'' in this case) during

Bihu Bihu is a set of three important Assamese festivals in the Indian state of Assam – 'Rongali' or 'Bohag Bihu' observed in April, 'Kongali' or 'Kati Bihu' observed in October, and 'Bhogali' or 'Magh Bihu' observed in January. The Rongali Bihu i ...

. 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 the Geographical Indication tag. Assamese Gamosa Hanging on Tree

Notes and references

External links

{{Clothing in South Asia Culture of Assam Textiles and clothing of Assam Scarves Indian clothing Indian culture Geographical indications in Assam Geographical indications in India Festivals in Assam

Origin of the name

Usage

Cultural significance

See also

Notes and references

External links