In the history of Indian clothing, the saree is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished during 2800-1800 BC around the western part of the Indian subcontinent. The earliest known depiction of the saree in the Indian subcontinent is the statue of an Indus Valley priest wearing a drape.
In Hindu Dharma, tremendous importance has been given to the saree and it is said that Hindu women should always wear a saree as an expression of their pride. If this is not possible, then they can be requested to at least wear sarees during festivals, celebrations, religious rituals, and auspicious days as per the Hindu lunar calendar.