Assam is a melting stock of various races viz. Indo-Burmese, Mongoloid, Austro-Asiatic, Aryan and Dravidian. The tribal population includes Boros, Kacharis, Rabhas, Dimasas, Karbis, Misings, Kochs, Rajbonshis, Tiwas, Garos, Gangtes, Hmars, Hajongs, Khasi-pnars, Santhals, Oraons and Mundas. The non-tribals would be the Ahoms, Bengalee, immigrant Muslims, North Indians, Nepalis and others.

The Gamosa is an article of great significance for the people of Assam . Literally translated, it means 'something to wipe the body with' (Ga=body, mosa=to wipe); interpreting the word ‘gamosa’ as the body-wiping towel is misleading. It is generally a white rectangular piece of cloth with primarily a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the fourth (in addition to red, other colors are also used). Though it is used daily to wipe the body after a bath (an act of purification), the use is not restricted to this. It is used by the farmer as a waistcloth (tongali) or a loincloth (suriya); a Bihu dancer wraps it around the head with a fluffy knot. It is hung around the neck at the prayer hall and was thrown over the shoulder in the past to signify social status. Guests are welcomed with the offering of a gamosa and tamul (betel nut) and elders are offered gamosas (bihuwaan) during Bihu. It is used to cover the altar at the prayer hall or cover the scriptures. An object of reverence is never placed on the bare ground, but always on a gamosa. One can therefore, very well say, that the gamosa symbolizes the life and culture of Assam . The word gamosa is derived from the Kamrupi word gaamasa (gaama+chadar), the cloth used to cover the Bhagavad Purana at the altar. The equivalent word in Oriya is spelled as gaamu + cha = gamucha. Significantly the gamosa is used equally by all irrespective of religious and ethnic backgrounds.