Elegant Shawls in silk are worn on very formal occasions, particularly in the evenings. In India, these scarf like silk shawls are popular with both men and women. Silk shawls have acquired some kind of celebrity status in India. Artists and actors would generally attend parties, wearing elegant silk kurta and churidar, with silk shawls hanging from their shoulders. Often eminent politicians and ministers would gift silk shawls to each other not only to show respect, but also to communicate that they are allies.
These pure silk brocade shawls are created by the hereditary weavers of Benaras. The tools used are very basic in nature- wooden blocks for marking designs on silk. A typical Benaras shawl is a piece of textile, often long and narrow, usually worn on or near the head, for warmth, fashion, cleanliness, or religious purposes. In drier, dustier climates, or in environments where there is a lot of airborne contaminants, a thin shawl is often worn over the head to keep the hair clean. Over time, this custom has evolved into a fashionable item in many cultures, particularly among women.

Shawls in India have a significant place and traditional value. They are significant because they are considered a protector of women's integrity. All women's outfit in India is considered incomplete without a long shawl. The fabric of a shawl can be cotton, chiffon, georgette, silk, net or sometimes mixed too. These are an integral part of the salwar kurta, lehenga, and churidar. With cultural exposure from Europe, these shawls found their way to the western wardrobes too.