"There is a legend amongst the wire and tinsel workers of Patna and Calcutta that Joseph, son of Jacob, was the inventor of this industry. He was, so runs the legend, in the habit of spending his leisure hours in embroidering handkerchiefs with tinsel and wire. To this day the novice offers niaz (offerings) to the memory of Joseph when he begins to learn the art and all persons engaged in the industry offer niazto his memory on the last Wednesday of the Muhammadan year." Link…
