Gamcha

Gamcha (or Gamchhā, Gāmchhā, Gāmuchhā (Odia), Gamusā (Assamese) and Angochha) is a rectangular piece of traditional coarse cotton cloth, sometimes with a checked design, worn as traditional scarf by men in the Indian subcontinent, mainly in Eastern India (including Assam), Bangladesh, as well as in eastern Terai of Nepal..[1] It also became bit popular in other cultures of India and now in what is known as Pakistan after the Indian partition, as well as various parts of South and Southeast Asia.

Literally translated, it means 'something to wipe the body with' however, interpreting the word gamcha as the towel is misleading.

Gamucha are worn by the South Asian people, especially in the Indian states of Assam, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and the Purvanchal region, because they are better suited to the country's tropical, humid climate.

They may also be found in hamams as a traditional male loincloth and towel worn during bathing and massage.

Assamese gamosa or Gamusa in Assam has a place of special use : it is given as a token of honour and respect to esteemed guest.

Gamcha is also worn as knee long loin cloths by people of the poorer sections of society, especially menial labourers and farm workers.

Bangladeshi Rickshaw Puller wearing traditional Gamcha
Milk salesman wearing Gamchha in Nepal
A pair of gamchhas with typical check patterns
A fruit vendor wearing a gamchha tied as a headscarf.
An Assamese Gamusa with embroidery designs.