Guwahati : With the Lok Sabha elections and the Rongali Bihu just around the corner, there has been a surge in demand for the traditional Assamese Gamosa, one of the state's most recognisable cultural symbols.
The Lok Sabha polls for 14 seats in Assam will be held in three phases starting on April 19 and the Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, will be celebrated across the state in mid-April.
Jonali Kalita, a woman weaver from the Panbari area on the outskirts of Guwahati, that the demand for gamosa is high this year."We make the traditional Gamosa every year.
The demand is high this year compared to the previous year due to elections. We are also benefiting from this," Kalita said.
Udipta Narayan Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Prakriti Foundation of Johat District, said that the Gamosa has gained global recognition, secured a coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag and adorned the attires of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The revitalised interest in gamosas not only signifies a cultural resurgence but also highlights the economic empowerment of indigenous women, who have found self-sufficiency through their craftsmanship.
With the demand for these traditional textiles skyrocketing, local artisans are reaping the benefits, offering a ray of hope amidst economic uncertainties," Sudipta Narayan Bharadwaj said.
