Prayagraj

Historically, the city has been a witness to many important events in India’s freedom struggle such as emergence of the first Indian National Congress in 1885, the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence movement in 1920.

To its south and southeast is the Bagelkhand region, to its east is middle Ganges valley of North India, or Purvanchal, to its southwest is the Bundelkhand region, to its north and northeast is the Awadh region and to its west along with Kaushambi it forms the part of Doab. The total geographical area of the district is 5482 Sq. Km.

The place where 3 Holy Rivers meet is called Triveni Sangam - Ganga, Yamuna and unseen Saraswati. Due to Magha Mela there was lot of rush and hence I visited in the morning where you can see Ganga and Yamuna with 2 distinct colours merging beautifully at the Sangam. Nowadays Ganga aarti is also performed though in a small way after sundown. The statue of Ganga Maa is also located close by. Near the Sangam is Allahabad Fort and many Temples especially the Bade Hanuman Mandir where Hanuman ji is in sleeping position., which is very rare. Due to Magha mela hundreds of tents and temporary bridges have been constructed.

Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are highly revered rivers in Indian mythology, and hence the confluence point of these rivers hold tremendous religious importance. According to Hindu mythology, taking a bath in the holy Triveni Sangam is supposed to flush away all the sins and free you from the cycle of rebirth. Moreover, the Sangam itself is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The brownish Ganga meeting the slightly greenish Yamuna is indeed a sight to behold.

If you take a boat ride to the gently flowing waters of Ganga and Yamuna, you'll be able to make out the difference in colours of water from the two rivers. There are also makeshift wooden banks made at the Sangam. Hence, devotees who want can take a bath right at the confluence point. The water is clean enough at the Triveni Sangam for a bath, especially during the winters; and also not very deep, so it is fun to take a dip in the water here.

Summers in Allahabad

A fitting tribute to Allahabad where civilisational streams have merged to create a composite culture.

More than any other Indian city Allahabad, through its long and varied history, has meant different things to different people. As the ancient Prayag at the confluence of the sacred rivers, it was central to Hinduism; while its strategic location gave it special importance from the viewpoint of conquest and governance. Buddhism was dominant periodically during the pre-Christian era and coins found at the site indicate Greek and Hun invasions. In the Mughal period, it acquired a strong Islamic character when Akbar changed its name to Ilahabas and built the great Fort overlooking the Sangam.

Allahabad has for long been a cultural centre in Uttar Pradesh and India. Since time immemorial it has been renowned for its religious and historic significance. In modern times, it played a leading role in the freedom struggle and was the birthplace of eminent writers, lawyers, artists and musicians. This rich legacy continues with cultural extravaganzas such as the annual Triveni Mahotsav which showcases the best of music, dance and poetry from all over the state and beyond. Institutions like the Prayag Sangeet Samiti are at the forefront of keeping traditional culture alive in Allahabad. Music and dance are popular with children of all ages.

Life in the City

Allahabadis are very outgoing and like to be busy doing something or the other, whether it is indulging in sport, eating street food or just shopping. Festivals are looked forward to as a time for celebration and getting together with family and friends. Culture as in the arts, music, dance and poetry recitations are patronised by Allahabadis who can expect a stimulating cultural calendar year after year.

Festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor especially Diwali and Ram Navami. The entire city goes into celebration mode with festive lighting and colorful decorations. Families and friends gather together to make merry, distributing sweets and indulging in community celebrations. Allahabadis also look forward to the annual Magh Mela when the city attracts lakhs of pilgrim from all over India and tourists from different parts of the world. This is a time when the entire city gears up to play host and a huge temporary city comes up on the banks of the Ganga.

Allahabadis love to go shopping and every weekend sees families out shopping for everyday household items as well as clothes, jewellery and gifts. They usually head out to Chowk, Civil Lines, Georgetown and various malls that have come up recently including Vinayak City Centre, Atlantis Mall, Vinayak City Square, Vinayak Solitare and P Square Mall. They relish striking bargains in areas such as Chowk as well as picking out items at brand stores in Civil Lines.

Eating out is a popular pastime in Allahabad. From street food to restaurants, options are available to suit every pocket. Mughlai food is relished most here along with various vegetarian specialities. Street food options include a variety of delicious chaats and various other savoury snacks and sweets including jalebis, kulfi and falooda. The typical connoisseur of Allahabadi food makes a beeline for Loknath Galli in Chowk to sample the fare on offer from one end of the street to another, relishing various specialities along the way. Fast food restaurants serving pizzas and burgers are also present here as well as restaurants serving popular south Indian specialities such as masala dosa. Indian Coffee House is an institution where locals and visitors can take a break sipping filter coffee along with bites of sandwiches, omelets, cutlets and dosas.