A Banaras silk sari or shawl is traditionally a single colored textile with motifs and patterns woven in gold or silver threads. When the design of the motif is completed, a knot is made and the gold thread cut. The weaving continues until the next design. The smaller the motif or the more intricate the design, the more complex the weaving skills required. Silk weaving in Banaras is a cottage industry and in many areas of the city, especially the Muslim quarters, one can see looms at work all day .
Entire families are involved, Children often pick up the art from the elders at an early age.