‘Gamocha’, a symbol of the culture and identity of Assam, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the central government.

The GI tag has been registered in favour of the Directorate of Handloom & Textiles of the Assam government under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Assamese Gamocha

• The ‘gamocha’, a handwoven rectangular cotton piece of cloth with red borders and different designs and motifs, is traditionally offered to elders and guests as a mark of respect and honour by Assamese people.

• It is an integral part of all socio-religious ceremonies in the state and is considered as an Assamese identity and pride.

• The Assamese weavers are dexterous in the art of weaving Gamocha as it has been produced in this part of the country for centuries.

• Gamocha is also known as Gamosa, Gamusa, Gamcha, Gamucha, Gamccha, Gamchi, etc.

• A ‘gamocha’ literally means a towel and is commonly used in Assamese households.

• For specific purposes, it is also made of expensive materials and in different colours as well.

• A ‘gamocha’ meant for exchange during Bihu festival is known as ‘Bihuwan’. 

• This unique scarf, which is found only in Assam, is also used as a signifier of reverence while decorating altars or covering religious books.

Benefits of GI tag

• A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is used for an agricultural, natural, or a manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.

• The GI tag helps growers get the premium price of the product as no other producer can misuse the name to market similar goods.

• Darjeeling tea, Tirupati laddu, Kangra paintings, Nagpur orange, and Kashmir Pashmina are among the registered GIs in India.

• The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports.

• There is a proper process of registration of GI products which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration.

• It is a legal right under which the GI holder can prohibit others from using the same name.

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