Gamosa or Gamusa of Assam

The Gamosa (also known as Gamusa) is a traditional piece of cloth used for wiping the body after bath (more or less like a Towel). Derived from the traditional word: “Ga” (means body) and Musa (means wiping).

Significance of Gamosa: However, the significance of Gamosa is more than just a towel. Its a significance of Assamese culture and tradition. Its usually worn by men, wrapping around their neck or tieing over the head.

The Gamosa also represents the Rural/Agricultural society of Assam where the farmer goes to the field and starts ploughing the field for sowing the seeds. As the farmer sweats, he uses the Gamosa to wipe his sweat.

The Gamosa is a sacred piece of cloth in Assam, also used for serving beetle leaf (called Paan tambul) as a gesture of respect and achievement to notable people.

Dignitaries, Authors, Achievers (in sports and academics), notable figures in Assam are always awarded with Gamosa around their neck, along with the Xorai, a metallic stand for keeping Bettle leaf (Paan – Tambul) as a mark of respect and honour.

Festival: Bihu is one of the most renowned festival of Assam. The Gamusa plays a significant role as dancers wrap their forehead with Gamusa in their unique dance practices. Even the dhols are wrapped with Gamusa.

Commonality: The Gamusa is also used and worn by people in other regions of India and not just restricted to Assam. However, there are various versions & colours known by different names in different parts of India. For eg. the word Gamcha is common throughout India as a cotton cloth frequently used for wiping sweat by mostly farmers after doing heavy field work.

Manufacturing of Gamosa: Usually the Gamosa is handwoven and handcrafted with cotton as the primary ingredient. But some of the Gamosas are also made out of Assam silk.

Normally the Gamosa is rectangular in shape around 2 feet in width and 4 feet in height (24 inches in breadth and 48 inches in length). Its white in colour with red borders and embroidery. Some of them are also cream coloured with red lining borders and embroidery.