Gamosa or Gamocha has immense significance to the Assamese culture and way of life. And it now has a GI Tag to prevent counterfeiting. From hand towels to regular-use towels and even as a mark of respect, this piece of cloth serves many purposes.
Handwoven gamosa has been an essential part of the Assamese lifestyle since ages. But in the last few years, it has seen that counterfeit products are making its way into the markets. Major cities of the state of Assam, specially Guwahati gets flooded with machine made products. These originate in several locations outside of Assam and cause heavy losses to the native weavers of Assam. And this has become a common pattern since during the festive seasons like Bihu. GI Tag will fulfill a long time demand of the weavers of the state.
To protect the native market from outside products, the Handloom and Textiles Directorate of Assam had put forward an application for a Geographic Indication. The application was filed in October 2017 and the process was completed on 13th of December, 2022. Geographical Indication Registry has allocated the number 594 to Gamosa of Assam. It belongs to class 24, meaning that it is a ‘textiles and textile good, not included in other classes; bed and table covers.’
Replying to a question in the parliament, the Union Ministry of Textile had mentioned that Assam has he largest concentration of weavers in the country. Adding the GI Tag will empower these weavers and other people associated with this sector.
