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 gamusa.
It is used by the farmer, fishermen or hunter as a waistcloth (tongali) or a loincloth (suriya) or Gamsa; a Bihu dancer wraps it around the head with a fluffy knot
It is hung around the neck at the prayer hall (naamghar) and was thrown over the shoulder in the past to signify social status.
Guests are welcomed with the offering of a gamusa and tamul (betel nut) and elders are offered gamusas (referred to as bihuwaan in this case) during Bihu.