Guwahati: The Assam government has procured 9.25 lakh traditional ‘gamosas’ from 5.64 lakh weavers across the state.
This first-of-its-kind initiative aims at the preservation of Assam’s rich cultural heritage and also serves as a powerful testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the local artisan community.
Taking to X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This Bihu is special for our weaving community. For the first time ever, the Assam Government is procuring 9.25 lakh gamosas from 5.64 lakh weavers in the state.”
This Bihu is special for our weaving community.
For the first time ever, the Assam Government is procuring 9.25 lakh gamosas from 5.64 lakh weavers in the state.
These gamosas, a symbol of Assam, will be dispatched to citizens across the country.
Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi. pic.twitter.com/gEFa3kBUUj
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 8, 2025
He said, “These gamosas, a symbol of Assam, will be dispatched to citizens across the country.”
This initiative is projected to substantially increase the income of thousands of weavers, for whom this craft is a primary source of livelihood.
‘Gamocha’—a timeless symbol of Assamese heritage—is offered during Bihu as a mark of respect to elders and affection to the younger ones.
“This year, I had the honour of sharing Bihuwan with nearly one million people in Assam and beyond—a heartfelt gesture of love and tradition, and a step to ensure our weavers receive a decent remuneration for their craft,” CM Sarma said.
The state government has also launched a major crackdown on powerloom-made gamosas across the state to preserve the legacy of the handloom products.
During the crackdown, hundreds of powerloom gamosas were seized.
Govt of Assam is committed to preserve the legacy of our handloom products.
We are carrying out a statewide crackdown on powerloom made Gamosas to promote handmade ones by our artisans and preserve the authenticity of our culture. pic.twitter.com/2c1wc6xAJG
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 9, 2025
The chief minister said, “We are carrying out a statewide crackdown on powerloom-made Gamosas to promote handmade ones by our artisans and preserve the authenticity of our culture.”
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The traditional Assamese Gamosa received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017 under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
