New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the modest, multi- purpose Gamchha into the spotlight. He covered his face with the Desi stole to highlight and underline its usage as an affordable and easily available protective gear for millions of ordinary people.

Modi used the Gamchha while interacting with the CMs via video conference on Saturday, and he repeatedly spoken about using homemade options to cover faces as a replacement for masks. Soon after the PM’s interaction with CMs, the Union Government issued an advisory about the use of homemade masks, emphasising the importance of its regular cleaning and clarifying that homemade masks were advisable for common people but not for those involved in healthcare.

The Gamchha, the best described as a thin cotton towel is popular in various avatars in states like Bihar, East UP, Bengal and Assam and is also offered as a gift to honoured guest. Farm hands, land owner, contractors, daily wagers, rickshaw pullers and porters, the accessory is used by both well heeled and the underclass as an improvised, make shift defense against extreme heat and biting cold.