Introduction: “Gamosa – A Thread of Love” is Lesson 7 from the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 6 English textbook Rainbow. This beautiful prose lesson introduces students to one of the most cherished cultural symbols of Assam — the gamosa. The lesson explains what a gamosa is, how it is made, the different types of gamosa, and the deep emotional, social, and cultural significance it holds in the lives of the Assamese people. Through this lesson, students learn that the gamosa is not just a piece of cloth but a thread of love that binds people, traditions, and generations together. It is offered as a mark of respect to elders and guests, used in religious ceremonies, gifted on Bihu, and proudly displayed as the identity of Assam across the world.
Summary
The gamosa is a traditional white rectangular piece of hand-woven cloth with a red border on three sides and beautifully embroidered floral motifs on the fourth side. It is one of the most important cultural symbols of Assam and is commonly woven by Assamese women on their handlooms at home. Although the word “gamosa” literally means “something to wipe the body with” (ga = body, mosa = to wipe), it carries a meaning that goes far beyond its literal sense. It is offered with great respect to elders, gifted to guests as a mark of honour, presented to deities in the Naamghar, hung around the neck of dancers during Bihu, used by farmers in the field, and even tied around the waist by Bihu husori parties. In every Assamese household, the gamosa is a symbol of love, respect, and identity.
The lesson tells us that there are different kinds of gamosa for different purposes — the Bihuwan gifted during Bihu, the Pani-gamosa used after bathing, the Tioni-gamosa tied around the waist by women while working, the Phulam Gamosa with floral designs offered as a token of respect, and the Anakata Gamosa woven in a single piece without cutting and used in religious ceremonies. The gamosa has even been recognised as the cultural identity of Assam across India and the world. Above all, the gamosa is described as a “thread of love” because every gamosa woven by a mother, sister, daughter, or wife carries with it the warmth of affection, the spirit of Assamese tradition, and the pride of Assam’s rich heritage. To gift a gamosa is to gift love and respect itself.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gamosa | A traditional Assamese hand-woven cloth with a red border and floral motifs |
| Thread | A long thin strand of cotton or silk used for weaving or sewing |
| Hand-woven | Made by weaving threads on a handloom by hand |
| Handloom | A wooden machine used at home for weaving cloth by hand |
| Motif | A decorative design or pattern, usually of flowers or animals |
| Embroidery | The art of decorating cloth with designs stitched in coloured thread |
| Border | A coloured strip running along the edge of the cloth |
| Symbol | A thing that represents or stands for something else |
| Identity | The qualities or features that make a person or community recognisable |
| Heritage | Traditions, culture and values passed down from one generation to another |
| Respect | A feeling of honour or admiration for someone |
| Affection | A gentle feeling of love, care and fondness |
| Bihu | The chief national festival of Assam, celebrated three times a year |
| Bihuwan | A special gamosa gifted to loved ones during Bihu as a token of love |
| Phulam Gamosa | A gamosa with beautiful floral (phul) designs woven into it |
| Anakata Gamosa | A long gamosa woven in one piece without being cut, used in religious rituals |
| Naamghar | A traditional Assamese prayer house |
| Husori | A traditional Bihu performance where groups visit homes singing and dancing |
| Tradition | A long-established custom or practice |
| Token | A thing given as a sign or symbol of love, respect or friendship |
| Generation | All the people of about the same age in a family or society |
| Cherish | To love and care for something deeply |
| Honour | Great respect shown to someone |
| Cultural | Related to the customs, art and beliefs of a society |
| Pride | A feeling of deep satisfaction in something that belongs to one |
Question Answers
A. Comprehension Questions
1. What is a gamosa?
Answer: A gamosa is a traditional rectangular piece of hand-woven cotton cloth of Assam. It is usually white in colour with a red border on three sides and beautiful floral designs (motifs) embroidered on the fourth side. The gamosa is one of the most important cultural symbols of Assam and is found in almost every Assamese home.
2. What does the word “gamosa” mean?
Answer: The word “gamosa” comes from two Assamese words — “ga” meaning “body” and “mosa” meaning “to wipe”. So, literally, “gamosa” means “something used to wipe the body”. However, the meaning of the gamosa goes far beyond this literal sense, because it has become a symbol of love, respect, and Assamese culture.
3. Who weaves the gamosa? Where is it woven?
Answer: The gamosa is mostly woven by Assamese women in their own homes. It is woven on a handloom, which is a wooden weaving machine used by hand. Mothers, sisters, daughters and wives weave gamosas with great love and care, often for their family members or to gift to loved ones during festivals.
4. Why is the gamosa called “a thread of love”?
Answer: The gamosa is called “a thread of love” because every gamosa is woven thread by thread by the loving hands of Assamese women — mothers, sisters, daughters and wives. As they weave, they put their love, care and good wishes into every thread. When a gamosa is given to someone, it is not just a piece of cloth — it carries with it the warmth of love, respect and affection. That is why the gamosa is called a thread of love that binds hearts together.
5. How is a gamosa offered to elders and guests?
Answer: A gamosa is offered to elders and guests with both hands and a slight bow as a mark of deep respect and honour. Younger people give a gamosa to their elders during Bihu and other special occasions to seek their blessings. Guests visiting an Assamese home are also welcomed with a gamosa placed around the neck or handed over with folded hands.
6. On which special occasions is the gamosa used?
Answer: The gamosa is used on many special occasions in Assam. These include:
- During the three Bihu festivals (Bohag, Kati and Magh Bihu), it is gifted as a “Bihuwan”.
- It is offered to deities in the Naamghar during religious prayers.
- It is hung around the neck of Bihu dancers and players during Bihu performances.
- It is used to honour distinguished guests on the stage during cultural functions.
- It is used in marriages, the Saadhu ceremony, and other social and religious rituals.
7. What is a “Bihuwan”?
Answer: A “Bihuwan” is a special kind of gamosa that is gifted during the Bihu festival as a token of love and respect. The word “Bihuwan” comes from “Bihu”. It is usually beautifully designed with floral patterns and is offered by the younger members of the family to their elders, friends and well-wishers during Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu).
8. What is a “Phulam Gamosa”?
Answer: A “Phulam Gamosa” is a gamosa decorated with beautiful flower (phul) designs and motifs woven into the cloth. The word “phulam” means “having flowers”. It is the most popular type of gamosa and is offered as a token of respect, used to felicitate guests, and gifted on important occasions.
9. What is an “Anakata Gamosa”? Where is it used?
Answer: An “Anakata Gamosa” is a long gamosa woven in a single piece without being cut from the loom (“anakata” means “uncut”). It is considered very pure and sacred. It is mainly used in religious ceremonies and prayers, especially in the Naamghar, where it is offered to the deity or used to wrap the holy scriptures.
10. How does the gamosa show the cultural identity of Assam?
Answer: The gamosa shows the cultural identity of Assam in many ways. It is unique to Assam and is recognised across India and the world as a symbol of Assamese culture. Whether it is at a Bihu function, in a Naamghar, on the stage of a cultural programme, or wrapped around the shoulder of a farmer in the field, the gamosa proudly represents the spirit, tradition, and warm-hearted nature of the Assamese people.
B. Short Answer Questions
1. What colour is the gamosa usually in? What is on its border?
Answer: The gamosa is usually white in colour. It has a red border running along three sides, and the fourth side is decorated with beautifully embroidered floral motifs.
2. What is a handloom?
Answer: A handloom is a wooden weaving machine used at home to weave cloth by hand. Assamese women weave gamosas, mekhela-chadors, and other traditional cloths on the handloom.
3. What is a “Pani-gamosa”?
Answer: A “Pani-gamosa” (water-gamosa) is the kind of gamosa used after bathing to wipe the body. It is plain, simple, and used for everyday purposes.
4. What is a “Tioni-gamosa”?
Answer: A “Tioni-gamosa” is the gamosa that is tied around the waist. It is used by women while working at home or in the field, and also by Bihu husori parties tied around the waist while singing and dancing.
5. How does a farmer use a gamosa?
Answer: A farmer uses a gamosa in many ways while working in the field. He may tie it around his head as a turban to protect himself from the sun, wrap it around his waist, hang it on his shoulder to wipe sweat, or use it to carry small things. The gamosa is a faithful companion of the Assamese farmer.
6. Why is a gamosa offered to deities in the Naamghar?
Answer: A gamosa is offered to deities in the Naamghar as a mark of devotion, purity and respect. The Anakata gamosa, woven in a single uncut piece, is considered especially sacred and is offered to the deity or used to wrap holy scriptures during prayers.
7. Why is the gamosa important in Bihu?
Answer: The gamosa is very important in Bihu because it is the most precious gift exchanged during the festival. The young members of the family offer “Bihuwan” gamosas to their elders to seek blessings, friends gift Bihuwans to one another, and Bihu dancers wear them around the neck while performing. The gamosa adds beauty, dignity, and cultural pride to every Bihu celebration.
8. What does the gamosa teach us about Assamese culture?
Answer: The gamosa teaches us that Assamese culture is rich, loving, and full of respect for elders, guests, and traditions. It shows that even a simple piece of cloth can carry deep emotional and cultural value when it is woven with love and used with respect.
C. Types of Gamosa
Match the different types of gamosa with their use:
| Type of Gamosa | Use / Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bihuwan | Gifted to elders, friends and loved ones during Bihu |
| Phulam Gamosa | A gamosa with floral designs, offered as a token of respect |
| Anakata Gamosa | Woven in a single uncut piece, used in religious ceremonies |
| Pani-gamosa | Used for wiping the body after bathing |
| Tioni-gamosa | Tied around the waist while working or during Bihu husori |
| Telosh Gamosa | An old, used gamosa kept for daily household work |
D. Vocabulary: Fill in the blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the lesson:
- The gamosa is a symbol of love and respect.
- The gamosa is woven on a handloom.
- The fourth side of the gamosa has beautiful floral motifs.
- A gamosa gifted during Bihu is called a Bihuwan.
- The gamosa is the cultural identity of Assam.
E. True or False
State whether the following statements are True or False:
| Statement | True / False |
|---|---|
| The gamosa is a symbol of Assamese culture. | True |
| The gamosa has a red border on three sides. | True |
| Only men weave the gamosa in Assam. | False |
| “Bihuwan” is a gamosa gifted during the Bihu festival. | True |
| The Anakata gamosa is cut into many pieces while weaving. | False |
| The gamosa is used only for wiping the body. | False |
| The gamosa is offered to deities in the Naamghar. | True |
F. Long Answer Questions
1. Describe the appearance of a gamosa.
Answer: A gamosa is a rectangular piece of hand-woven cotton cloth. It is usually white in colour, which stands for purity and peace. It has a red border running along three of its four sides, while the fourth side is decorated with beautifully embroidered floral motifs and traditional Assamese designs. Some gamosas also have designs of birds, flowers and creepers woven into the cloth itself. Although the gamosa is simple and humble in appearance, it is one of the most beautiful and meaningful pieces of cloth in the world.
2. Describe the cultural and emotional importance of the gamosa in Assamese society.
Answer: The gamosa holds a very deep cultural and emotional importance in Assamese society. Culturally, it is the proud symbol of Assam — a single piece of cloth that represents the entire heritage, art, and tradition of the Assamese people. It is used in every important moment of life, from birth to death, from prayer to celebration, from work to festival. Emotionally, the gamosa is a thread of love. Mothers, sisters, daughters and wives weave gamosas at home with great love and care, and every thread carries their warm feelings. When a gamosa is gifted to someone, it carries that love, blessing and respect with it. To receive a gamosa is to receive love itself, and to give one is to give a part of one’s heart. That is why the gamosa is rightly called “a thread of love”.
3. Why should we be proud of our gamosa?
Answer: We should be proud of our gamosa for many reasons. It is the cultural identity of Assam and is recognised across India and the world. It is hand-woven by Assamese women, which shows the rich tradition of weaving in our state. It carries deep meaning — it stands for love, respect, devotion and the warm hospitality of the Assamese people. It is used in religious, social and family events alike. The gamosa connects every Assamese person to his or her roots, and reminds us of our beautiful traditions. As a proud symbol of Assam, it deserves our love, care and respect, and we must keep this tradition alive for the next generation.
G. Additional Questions and Answers
1. Where is the gamosa woven and by whom?
Answer: The gamosa is woven in almost every Assamese village home on a handloom. It is mostly woven by Assamese women — mothers, sisters, daughters and wives — who weave it with great love and care for the members of their family or for gifting to others.
2. What does the white colour of the gamosa stand for?
Answer: The white colour of the gamosa stands for purity, peace and simplicity. It reflects the simple and pure-hearted nature of the Assamese people.
3. What does the red border of the gamosa stand for?
Answer: The red border of the gamosa stands for warmth, love, energy, and the bright spirit of the Assamese people. The contrast between the white body and the red border also makes the gamosa look very attractive.
4. How is the gamosa related to the Bihu festival?
Answer: The gamosa is closely related to the Bihu festival. During Bohag Bihu, younger members of the family offer “Bihuwan” gamosas to their elders to seek blessings. Bihu dancers wear gamosas around the neck or waist while performing, and Bihu husori parties tie gamosas around their heads and waists. The gamosa makes Bihu beautiful and meaningful.
5. Why is the gamosa called the cultural ambassador of Assam?
Answer: The gamosa is called the cultural ambassador of Assam because, wherever it goes, it represents Assam to the rest of India and the world. When important people from outside Assam visit the state, they are honoured with a gamosa. Assamese people living far away from home keep a gamosa with them as a symbol of their land. In this way, the gamosa carries the message and identity of Assam everywhere.
6. How can we keep the tradition of the gamosa alive?
Answer: We can keep the tradition of the gamosa alive by using it in our daily lives, gifting it to loved ones, encouraging weavers in our state, learning about its different types, and proudly presenting it to guests and elders. By using and respecting the gamosa, we keep our culture alive and pass it on to the next generation.
7. Write five sentences about the gamosa.
Answer:
- The gamosa is a traditional hand-woven cloth of Assam.
- It is white in colour with a red border and floral designs on one side.
- It is woven by Assamese women on the handloom at home.
- The gamosa is offered to elders, guests, and deities as a mark of love and respect.
- The gamosa is the cultural identity and pride of Assam.
8. Make sentences using the following words: (a) gamosa, (b) handloom, (c) tradition, (d) respect, (e) Bihu.
Answer:
- (a) gamosa: My grandmother gave me a beautiful gamosa on my birthday.
- (b) handloom: My mother weaves gamosas on her handloom every evening.
- (c) tradition: Offering a gamosa to elders is an old tradition of Assam.
- (d) respect: We must always show respect to our elders and teachers.
- (e) Bihu: During Bihu, we gift Bihuwans to our family members and friends.