Gamcha Close up

Red and white gamcha is a shoulder scarf, headscarf, towel, garland and as in the exhibit, a prayer scarf. The State of Assam claims to have the largest number of home-based looms in the country. The graceful tradition of honouring a guest with a handwoven scarf sustains the skill of handloom weaving and helps it to retain its relevance. The words woven in an unusual geometric layout are hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare / hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare. These kinds of sacred textiles are part of an ancient namavali tradition in which the repeated name of gods on a cloth imbues it with a sacredness that allows the user to visibly express their devotion. These cloths can also be used to cover prayer tables and are regularly used by priests and pilgrims.