• About us
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
TFI Official Merchandise
TFI हिन्दी
TFI Global
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Tfipost.com
  • Premium
  • Politics
    • All
    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
    Digvijay is not Congress; Congress leaders are not Congress; then who represents Congress? convicted Rahul Gandhi?

    Digvijay is not Congress; Congress leaders are not Congress; then who represents Congress? convicted Rahul Gandhi?

    Bhutan PM statement

    Bhutan’s unfortunate statement on Doklam stalemate

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    Mamata Banerjee petition

    Bombay HC castigates Mamata Banerjee for being unpatriotic

    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
  • Economy
    • All
    • Business
    • Economy1
    • Finance
    overall exports of India

    India’s overall exports crossed $750 billion

    UPI interchange fee

    UPI interchange fee: NPCI levies transaction charge, who will pay?

    Chinese FDI

    Nirmala Sitaraman takes out her club to break Chinese investors backbone

    Campa Cola

    Reliance’s foray into Indian Soft Drinks: Can Campa Cola make a comeback?

    • Business
    • Finance
  • Defense
    • All
    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
    Khalistan – Pakistan’s only successful project against India

    Khalistan – Pakistan’s only successful project against India

    Defence Ministry to boost IAF’s capabilities

    Defence Ministry to boost IAF’s capabilities

    ASEAN’s Defence Market: India and South Korea Compete for Supremacy

    ASEAN’s Defence Market: India and South Korea Compete for Supremacy

    From Pipeline to Power Grid: India and Bangladesh Forge Stronger Energy Bonds

    From Pipeline to Power Grid: India and Bangladesh Forge Stronger Energy Bonds

    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
  • Geopolitics
    • All
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
    Bhutan PM statement

    Bhutan’s unfortunate statement on Doklam stalemate

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    Saudi Arabia Pakistan loans

    No more interest-free loans: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait humiliate Pakistan

    AFINDEX-2023

    AFINDEX-2023: The Defence Ministry’s Outreach to African Nations, A Closer Look

    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
  • Knowledge
    • All
    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
    Balochistan India

    Nehru’s Historic Blunder: Why Balochistan Remains Disconnected from India

    Raghunath Rao

    Raghunath Rao vs Peshwa Madhavrao: The Mahabharata that could’ve been avoided

    Merger of Jodhpur

    A Narrow Miss: When Jodhpur Nearly Became Part of Pakistan

    Yes, Akbar was more Naseeruddin Shah and not even one bit of Hrithik Roshan

    Yes, Akbar was more Naseeruddin Shah and not even one bit of Hrithik Roshan

    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
  • Law
  • Lounge
    • All
    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Satire
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    Bholaa movie review

    ‘Bholaa’ movie : True Review

    Siddharth Roy Kapur Bollywood

    Siddharth Roy Kapur has predicted the future of Bollywood and it makes a lot of sense

    EV Charging Stations

    India’s Push for Electric Vehicles: Boosting Infrastructure with 7,432 Charging Stations

    Top 10 Strangest Lakes in the World

    The Enigmatic Wonders: Top 10 Strangest Lakes in the World

    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    • Satire
No Result
View All Result
Tfipost.com
  • Premium
  • Politics
    • All
    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
    Digvijay is not Congress; Congress leaders are not Congress; then who represents Congress? convicted Rahul Gandhi?

    Digvijay is not Congress; Congress leaders are not Congress; then who represents Congress? convicted Rahul Gandhi?

    Bhutan PM statement

    Bhutan’s unfortunate statement on Doklam stalemate

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    Mamata Banerjee petition

    Bombay HC castigates Mamata Banerjee for being unpatriotic

    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
  • Economy
    • All
    • Business
    • Economy1
    • Finance
    overall exports of India

    India’s overall exports crossed $750 billion

    UPI interchange fee

    UPI interchange fee: NPCI levies transaction charge, who will pay?

    Chinese FDI

    Nirmala Sitaraman takes out her club to break Chinese investors backbone

    Campa Cola

    Reliance’s foray into Indian Soft Drinks: Can Campa Cola make a comeback?

    • Business
    • Finance
  • Defense
    • All
    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
    Khalistan – Pakistan’s only successful project against India

    Khalistan – Pakistan’s only successful project against India

    Defence Ministry to boost IAF’s capabilities

    Defence Ministry to boost IAF’s capabilities

    ASEAN’s Defence Market: India and South Korea Compete for Supremacy

    ASEAN’s Defence Market: India and South Korea Compete for Supremacy

    From Pipeline to Power Grid: India and Bangladesh Forge Stronger Energy Bonds

    From Pipeline to Power Grid: India and Bangladesh Forge Stronger Energy Bonds

    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
  • Geopolitics
    • All
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
    Bhutan PM statement

    Bhutan’s unfortunate statement on Doklam stalemate

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

    Saudi Arabia Pakistan loans

    No more interest-free loans: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait humiliate Pakistan

    AFINDEX-2023

    AFINDEX-2023: The Defence Ministry’s Outreach to African Nations, A Closer Look

    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
  • Knowledge
    • All
    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
    Balochistan India

    Nehru’s Historic Blunder: Why Balochistan Remains Disconnected from India

    Raghunath Rao

    Raghunath Rao vs Peshwa Madhavrao: The Mahabharata that could’ve been avoided

    Merger of Jodhpur

    A Narrow Miss: When Jodhpur Nearly Became Part of Pakistan

    Yes, Akbar was more Naseeruddin Shah and not even one bit of Hrithik Roshan

    Yes, Akbar was more Naseeruddin Shah and not even one bit of Hrithik Roshan

    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
  • Law
  • Lounge
    • All
    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Satire
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    Bholaa movie review

    ‘Bholaa’ movie : True Review

    Siddharth Roy Kapur Bollywood

    Siddharth Roy Kapur has predicted the future of Bollywood and it makes a lot of sense

    EV Charging Stations

    India’s Push for Electric Vehicles: Boosting Infrastructure with 7,432 Charging Stations

    Top 10 Strangest Lakes in the World

    The Enigmatic Wonders: Top 10 Strangest Lakes in the World

    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    • Satire
No Result
View All Result
Tfipost.com
No Result
View All Result

HOME » Knowledge » Culture » A treatise on Ancient Indian Clothing। Chapter 2 – Gamcha/Gamosa

A treatise on Ancient Indian Clothing। Chapter 2 – Gamcha/Gamosa

Abhinav Kumar
by Abhinav Kumar
4 August 2021
in Culture
0
Gamcha, Gamosa,
947
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country for the fourth time after the Corona crisis began last year, his mouth was covered with a Gamcha. The PM wanted to give a message to the country that a Gamcha can be used to protect against the deadly virus. The top leader of the country wearing a Gamcha brought a lot of social media traction as everyone started talking about the unique clothing attire, worn throughout history, across the country. From the northeastern states to Bihar to Uttar Pradesh and South India, the Gamcha has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of India.

Gamcha, Gamosa,

Gamcha with coloured check is most popular but, different types of Gamcha are found all over India. Their names, designs, and motifs differ, but they are the same in symbolic meaning and usage.

Orissa and Assam have a white Gamchha with a red (embroidered or printed) edge, also known as Gamosa and worn around the neck. It is made up of two words – ‘Ga’ which means body and ‘Mosa’ which means to wipe. It is worn as a short turban by a male Bihu dancer; Ordinary men also wear it around the neck or on the shoulders during formal occasions.

Gamcha, Gamosa,

Two types of Gamosas are traditionally woven in Assam. These are called ‘Uka’ and ‘Phoolam’. Its plain colour is Gamcha, which is often used in summer and after taking a bath. Bihuwan, Teoni Gamosa, Pani Gamosa, Anakota Gamosa, Telos Gamosa, Jor Gamosa are also different types of Gamosa’s.

Phoolam is used on special occasions. At the time of festivals like Bihu (Rangoli Bihu), Phoolam is given as a gift. The presence of local flowers (Phool) and other crops on the Gamccha gives its distinct name called Phoolam.

Gamosa is often used to greet guests and to show respect. It is believed that in Assam, giving a Gamosa instead of a flower garland is a sign of respect for belongingness and respect. On several occasions when PM Modi has visited the Northeast, he has been conferred with a Gamosa which he wears with utmost pride.

In Manipur, Gamcha is known as Khudei and Lengyan. PM Modi also wore “Manipuri Lengyan” as a mask in his video message. Cotton Khudei is available in several varieties like plain and check. The Khudei is worn by the Meetei people near the waist and is different from the ‘Fanek’ which is worn by women.

Gamcha, Gamosa,
Khudei

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh and Bihari Gamcha are called Gamchi or Angouchi and are available primarily in four colours—red, pink, off-white and white—and are usually woven out of cotton. The dresses are either plain or have different designs between checks and stripes.

In Odisha too, Gamcha is used to greet and acknowledge guests. The state is also famous for the handwoven varieties of the Gamcha which are lapped up by the locals. Sarla Das has also told about the use of Gamcha in the Odiya Mahabharata.

In South India, Gamcha is thicker and is available in different colours. Even homemade lightweight fur towels are popularly called Gamchas. In South India, Gamcha is considered a garment of honour which is called “Angavastram”. Generally, angavastram is woven from both cotton and silk.

Gamcha, Gamosa,
Angavastram

In Tamil Nadu, it is called ‘Thundu’ which is woven in blue, green and saffron. While moving towards Kerala, it is known as “Thorath Mundu” and is used by Malayalis for a variety of reasons.

Gamcha, Gamosa,
Thorath Mundu

In the western regions, Gamucha is mainly made in red colour and is like plain cloth. In Punjab, it is also used as a turban and cotton towel where they call it ‘Parna’.

More than just a towel, the Gamcha is of intrinsic importance to public life in the Indian subcontinent and finds a place in daily life and folklore. In ancient India, travellers used to carry food in it while wayfaring. It is one of the essential items offered to Indian deities during religious ceremonies.

In the urban, middle-class family, the cotton Gamcha has gradually replaced the thick towel. Today, Gamchas are most likely to be seen in villages and on the streets, where men walk around with the apparel on their heads or on the shoulders.

After the corona pandemic, its multipurpose usefulness has driven the sales. Whether it is hot and sticky or cold out, a Gamcha is an effective weapon to avoid such tiring circumstances.

When PM Modi released a video message to the nation at the time of lockdown three, he had wrapped a Gamcha on his face. He had a clear message that Gamcha, a part of our traditional clothing history can be used as a shield to fight against Corona.

The use of Gamcha in place of masks by him also allowed the commoners to take pride in the use of its use in the daily lifestyle. Tripura CM Biplap Deb had followed the suit and asked people to use Jal Gamcha if they didn’t have the masks.

Gamcha, Gamosa,

Gamcha is fast becoming a status symbol of urban life. Just as the crown was important for the king, the Gamchha or any myriad form of it has become the equivalent of a crown for a native. In many areas of India, people make a turban out of the Gamcha. Even today in the villages, people, unassumingly take the Gamcha with them while going out.

In the ritualistic system of Hinduism, Gamcha is placed on the left shoulder in auspicious works and on the right in Shradh rituals. Acharya Pandit Vidyasagar Ojha has remarked, “Having a Gamcha on the right shoulder in the Shradh ceremony is a sign of a person being in an uncomfortable position. If there is any worship ritual or one is looking to seek blessings from someone, then it is mandatory to have a scarf on the head.”

Gamcha, Gamosa,

Over the years many designers, craft organizations and small brands across India have chosen Gamcha to create new designer outfits. After it was publicized by the PM, an increase in its production has also been recorded. Many brands have emerged in Assam and Bihar including West Bengal. Now as the use of Gamcha has increased, there are many possibilities to increase its production in terms of its colour, pattern and quality of fabric.

Tags: GamchaGamosaIndiaTraditional Clothing
Share341TweetSend
Previous Post

Werleman, Truschke, Haley and many more – Meet the global forces who want to destabilize Kashmir

Next Post

If nobody died of oxygen shortage in Delhi’s Jaipur Golden Hospital, its MD must be booked for lying

Abhinav Kumar

Abhinav Kumar

Editor, TFI Media Seeker, In the search of the truth of the words, heroism and discretion.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

  • Most Read
  • Comments
  • Latest
Xi Jinping, coronavirus, Shinzo Abe, china, Japan, coornavirus, COVID-19, Wuhan Virus

‘Pack up and get out of there,’ Japan to spend $2.2 billion to get Japanese companies to exit China

9 April 2020
ajay devgn karan johar

The man who bullied the Bully – How Ajay Devgn made Karan Johar’s monopoly a joke and forced him to apologize

22 June 2020
Huawei, China, Trump, USA, Xi Jinping

‘Our survival is at stake now,’ Chinese Telecom giant Huawei crumbles after US ban on Semiconductor exports

19 May 2020
T-Series Sonu Nigam Divya Khosla Kumar Bhushan Kumar

T-Series forced to take down Atif Aslam’s video, Divya Khosla trolled. T-Series has a bad day in office

25 June 2020
Meat Ban

A Jain responds to Meat Ban in Mumbai

Public Sector Bank, Government, Bill

Dear bank employees, continue your stride but PSBs will be privatized

anti-Hindi

Anti-Hindi Forever?- In search of a National Language!

Dear Liberals – your Beef Parties are not protests, they just intend to displease the Majority

Dear Liberals – your Beef Parties are not protests, they just intend to displease the Majority

Digvijay is not Congress; Congress leaders are not Congress; then who represents Congress? convicted Rahul Gandhi?

Digvijay is not Congress; Congress leaders are not Congress; then who represents Congress? convicted Rahul Gandhi?

31 March 2023
Bhutan PM statement

Bhutan’s unfortunate statement on Doklam stalemate

31 March 2023
The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

The cat and mouse game between the Indian government and Zakir Naik, and why Naik is winning

31 March 2023
Balochistan India

Nehru’s Historic Blunder: Why Balochistan Remains Disconnected from India

31 March 2023

Popular This Week

Priyanka Chopra
Cinema

Priyanka Chopra is often off the mark, but this time she has hit the bull’s eye

by Paurush Gupta
29 March 2023
Yami Gautam
Cinema

Why Yami Gautam should get films more often

by Sabita Mishra
28 March 2023
Physics Wallah controversy
Opinions

Physics Wallah controversy: The day Alakh Pandey decided to become an internet sensation is the day Physics Wallah died

by Shubham Bajpai
30 March 2023
Rahul Gandhi
Analysis

A bigger conspiracy lies behind Rahul Gandhi’s ouster

by Paurush Gupta
27 March 2023
Renuka Chowdhury will file a defamation case against PM Modi
Opinions

A point-by-point rebuttal on Renuka Chowdhury’s rants

by Paurush Gupta
26 March 2023

©2023 TFI Media Private Limited

  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
No Result
View All Result
  • Premium
  • Politics
    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
  • Economy
    • Business
    • Finance
  • Defense
    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
  • Geopolitics
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
  • Knowledge
    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
  • Law
  • Lounge
    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    • Satire
TFI Official Merchandise
TFI हिन्दी
TFI Global
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships

©2023 TFI Media Private Limited

Follow us on Twitter

and never miss an insightful take by the TFIPOST team

Follow @tfipost