Assam’s traditional handloom Gamosa gets GI tag

Weavers of traditional handlooms in Assam had much to celebrate as the famous Gamosa of the State has received the Geographical Indication tag.

This traditionally woven handloom product can be easily spotted with its distinctive red border and floral motifs. This intricately woven cloth is traditionally offered to elders and guests as a mark of respect and honour.

Gamosa which is the symbol of the culture, pride and identity of Assam has been advertised in the 24th Geographical Indications Journal. The journal mentioned that “the Gamosa is a traditional textile and a symbol of Assamese culture.”

Among the different varieties of Gamosa which are available include phulam, uka, tiyoni, bihuwan, aanakota, pani, dora boronor or jur, telosh, and xadharon gamosa.

The GI tag identifies natural or agricultural or manufactured goods originating in a particular region which should have a special attribute or quality, unique to the particular area.

The Institute of Handicraft Development in Golaghat had applied for gamosa to be included in the GI. It was granted by the GI Registry five years after the State Directorate of Handloom and Textiles had placed an application requesting for the tag.

The news was welcome by the weavers of the State. Talking to The Shillong Times, Hiralal Kalita, a master weaver said: “We are very happy now as Assam’s gamosa finally has a definite identity. This also implies that cheaper, duplicate items from other parts of the country, which were being illegally sold to gullible customers as gamosas, would not be accepted by knowledgeable consumers henceforth as they cannot be sold anymore as gamosas of Assam.”

The tag is expected to increase the demand for gamosas across the globe and also get better returns for the weavers.