Silk weaving is the dominant industry in Varanasi . Muslims are the influential community in this industry with nearly half a million of them working as weavers , dyers , sari finishers , and salespersons . Weaving is typically done within the household , and most weavers are Momin Ansari Muslims . Varanasi is known throughout India for its production of very fine silk and Banarasi saris , brocade with gold and silver thread work , which are often used for weddings and special occasions . The production of silk often use bonded child labour , though perhaps not at a higher rate than elsewhere in India . The silk weaving industry have recently been threatened by the rise of power looms and computer @-@ generated designs and by competition from Chinese silk imports .