The Bangla Sahitya Sabha Assam (BSSA) recently found itself embroiled in controversy after presenting guests with “hybrid gamosas,” a mix of traditional Assamese and Bengali towels. Their response was to issue an apology and reiterate their commitment to fostering unity between the two communities. The BSSA is a newly formed literary and cultural society that aims to bring together Bengalis residing in Assam.
The Assamese Gamocha: A Unique Cultural Symbol
The Assamese Gamocha is a handwoven cotton towel recognized for its distinctive design, role in day-to-day life, and cultural significance. It is a rectangular cloth available in several colors and patterns, the red and white ones being the most popular. The Assamese word ‘Gamocha’ essentially means a towel to wipe the body. Traditionally woven on a ‘Taat Xaal’ loom, this towel not only serves a practical purpose but also carries significant cultural weight.
The Gamocha’s design has helped it gain national and international praise. It has even obtained a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which protects it from imitation and encourages the promotion of local weavers and traditional weaving methods. The towel symbolizes Assamese culture and tradition, serving as a headscarf for women during ceremonial occasions and as a gift indicating respect and honor. The Gamocha is also integral to the Bihu festival, which is Assam’s most important cultural event. The dancers wear it around their necks and see it as a emblem of unity and brotherhood.
Understanding Bengali Gamcha
Just as the Assamese Gamocha holds cultural significance in Assam, the Bengali Gamcha plays a similar role in Bengal. Like its Assamese counterpart, it is a rectangular, handwoven cotton towel. However, instead of varying colors and patterns, the Bengali Gamcha usually comes in a red-and-white chequered design.
Like any other cultural symbol, it represents and unites the Bengali community. The distinctive pattern distinguishes it from Assamese Gamocha, forming an integral part of Bengali culture tradition.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tags and Intellectual Property Rights
The Gamochas’ GI tags place them among a select group of products that have obtained this recognition due to their quality, reputation, or other characteristics attributable to their geographical origin. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) recognizes GI as a type of intellectual property under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
A GI tag not only signals that a product hails from a particular geographical area but also alerts consumers to the fact that its qualities are significant to its location. Furthermore, it provides relief from infringement acts and unfair competition. The Indian government enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, following the TRIPS Agreement. This act aims to protect goods, including agricultural products, handicrafts, industrial goods, and foodstuffs, by granting them GI tags.
Other Products with GI Status
In addition to the Gamochas, several other Indian products have received GI status. Some notable examples include Banaras Brocades, Sarees, Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma, and Tirupathi Laddu. These products, like the Gamochas, are recognized and protected because of their intrinsic quality, reputation, and link to their geographical origin.
