The Gamusa of Assam is an article of significance for the indigenous people of Assam. 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 gamusas, there are special occasion ones made from Pat silk.
Literally translated, it means 'something to wipe the body with' (Ga = body, musa = to wipe)
The word gamusa is derived from the Kamrupi word gamsaw, the cloth used to cover the Bhagavad Purana at the altar.
The gamusa symbolizes the indigenous life and culture of Assam and is used in different ways :
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
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
It may be used as a towel to wipe the body after a bath (an act of purification).
Gamusa of Assam received the Geographical Indication tag in 2022
