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.

LOCATION

Allahabad lies 135 km west of Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is at the confluence of the Ganga (also Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, the point of their mingling known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate of Allahabad is one of the extreme types with annual range of temperature differing by around 12°C. The temperature varies from a maximum of 45.6°C to a minimum of 1.1°C. The weather is one of the finest in the month of January and February. Annual rainfall is 1935.5 mm and the maximum being 914.7 mm (August) and minimum 68.3 mm (December). Monsoon touches Allahabad by 15th of June.

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