Allahabad

Allahabad is one of the largest cities of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is situated on the meeting spot of 3 rivers — the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswathi. This confluence, which is called Triveni, is sacred to the Hindus. Prayag was the ancient name of the city. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator god of the Trinity, chose Prayag as the place to perform Prakrista Yaga at the beginning of the creation. The place has a mention in Huan Tsang’s work.

In 1575 the Moghul king Akbar visited Prayag and founded the city of Illahabad, which would later become Allahabad, meaning the “The city of Allah.�? Allahabad became the provincial capital city of the Moghuls. Later, Marathas captured the city. In 1857 the city became the center of the war of Indian independence. Allahabad later became the crucible of India’s freedom movement against the British rule. The city gave most number of prime ministers post independence.

Kumbh Mela, when the waters are said to be especially purifying, occurs every 12th year in Allahabad. This occasion is most sacred to the Hindus, and people gather in hundred thousands to take a holy dip in the confluence during this occasion.

Allahabad, which gave a lot of administrators and academicians, is an ancient city with shades of modernity. The main transport within the city still is rickshaws and tongas. Taxis and buses are also available. The city has been the place of haunting and lasting memories. Besides Hindus and Muslims, Jains and Christians are also live in considerable numbers.