Gamocha
Gamocha
A significant symbol of Assamese culture
Assamese Bohag Bihu is knocking at the door. It is being observe from the Domahi i.e., Sankranti falling on 14th April, the Assamese month of Bohag. The gamochaa is the great sign for the people of Assam. Literally in Assamese language it means a towel type rectangle piece of cloth interpreting the word “Gamocha” as body wiping (Ga – body, mosa – to wipe). It is generally a red bordered woven motifs .Although its use is not rest for farmer as a waistcloth (tongali) or a loincloth (suriya); but at Bohag Bihu male dancers wraps it around the head with a fluffy knot. Guest of honour who ever comes to a family, normally for the first time he is welcomed with offering Gamocha. Significantly, the Gamocha is used equally by all the Assamese people; irrespective of religious and ethnic background.
It is true that the materialistic civilization of today has shaken the age- old traditional way of life and values of the Assamese people. However, in spite of the numerous social, economic, cultural problems, the Assamese people welcome the Bihu in a genuine spirit of warmth and vitality year after year.