Allahabad Travel Guide
128
kms.from Varanasi and located at the confluence (Sangam) of the rivers
Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, Allahabad - one of the oldest
cities of India and a pilgrimage centre of utmost importance is also
famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas held every twelve and six
years respectively.
These are attended by the largest
congregation of saints, believers and followers of Hindu religion in
India and from across the world. Allahabad is also known for its annual
Magh Mela (mini Kumbh Mela) and colourful Dussehra festival.'
Prayag'
or '
Allahabad'
as it is known today is one of the most sacred
pilgrimage centres of India.
In Hindu mythology, its status of
'Tirth Raj' or the king of all pilgrimage centres was bestowed by Lord
Brahma, the creator god of Hindu Trinity, who performed 'Prakrista
Yagna' at the confluence of the three holy rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna
and the mystical Saraswati.
Recorded evidence also exists in
the revered scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and
the Mahabharata as also in the Puranas-of this holy place called
'Prayag'. The present city of Allahabad was founded by the Mughal
emperor Akbar in 1575 A.D.
Realising
its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in north India, Akbar
built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy 'Sangam'.
Every
12th year during the months of Jan-Feb world famous Kumbh Mela is held
here on the banks of the holy sangam. Ardha Kumbh Mela is held every 6th
year.
The Magh Mela is the annual version of the Kumbh and
Ardh kumbh mela which starts every year from Makar Sankranti in Jan. and
ends at Maha Shivratri in Feb. 
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