Allahabad is a major Indian city and popular holy place for Hindus. This city is situated at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Allahabad is one of the largest cities of Indian subcontinent and a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The ancient name of this city was Prayaga but the Mughals renamed this city. It is mentioned in certain historical accounts as the second-oldest city of the country. This city has a religious value as it is situated at the Triveni sangam. Allahabad is famous for the Kumbha Mela and is the administrative headquarters of the Allahabad District.

History of Allahabad
Previously the name of the city was Prayaga as it is believed that Lord Brahma attended a sacrifice ritual here. It is said that Lord Bhrama referred to the place as `Tirtharaj` or the `king of all pilgrimage centers.` Allahabad is mentioned in the Vedas, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and in the Puranas. As per the Puranas record that KingYayati (a Puranic king and the son of king Nahusha) left Prayaga and conquered the region of Saptha Sindhu. Ramayana records that a few rishis made their hut on the banks of the holy confluence and Lord Rama spent some time in one of the ashrams before proceeding to the Chitrakoot.

In the medieval era the city was occupied by Muhammad Ghori and later by the Mughal emperors. Akbar made a splendid fort on the banks of the Triveni Sangam which is till date famous for its magnificent architecture.

When the country was under British reign Allahabad was an active centre of Sepoy Mutiny. The Anand Bhavan and the Swaraj Bhavan were the official centers of Indian National congress.

Geography of Allahabad
Allahabad is located at the southern part of Uttar Pradesh and is 238 km away from the state capital Lucknow. The Ganga flows along its eastern edge. The city is divided by the railway line running through it. South of the railway track is the old Chowk area, while the British-built Civil Lines is situated to the North. The total area of the Allahabad is 63.07 sq km. Allahabad`s position is geographically important as it is in the Doab region. Allahabad experiences an extreme climate.

Demography of Allahabad
Allahabad city has a population of 1, 206, 78. The literacy rate of the city is 82%. Usually Hindi, Urdu and English are the languages that are being spoken in the city. The Awadhi, and Khariboli are the Hindi dialects most commonly used in the city area.

Culture of Allahabad
The main festival celebrated in Allahabad is the Kumbha Mela. This festival is celebrated once in 12 years by rotation. On the banks of the Triveni sangam, Kumbha mela is held. The Purna Kumbha is followed by the Ardh Kumbha. Other festival celebrated in Allahabad is Magh Mela, which is celebrated in the month of February.

Education of Allahabad
Allahabad is an important educational hub that attracts students from all over the country. Allahabad University is known to be the 4th oldest University of the country. Some reputed educational institutions of Allahabad are

*Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT).
*Motilal Nehru Medical College
*J.K. Institute of Applied Physics & Technology
*Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University
*Allahabad Agricultural Institute
*Harish-Chandra Research Institute.
*Indian Institute of Information Technology
*Institute of Engineering and Rural Technology
*Ewing Christian College
*Birla Institute of Technology

Tourism of Allahabad
Allahabad boasts of some of the most visited tourist spots in India. The Sangam or the confluence, Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan, Swaraj Bhavan, Patalpuri Temple, Khusro Bagh, Hanuman Mandir, Upardaha Lake, Ashoka Pillar, Mankameshwar Temple, Jawahar Planeterium, All Saints Cathedral are worth a visit as well. The sumptuous delicacies of Allahabad includes `motichoor laddoo`, `besan laddoo`, `burfi`, `rabri`, `kulfi`, `kachauris`, variety of dosa.

Allahabad is a home town of seven Prime Ministers of India. Allahabad has been chosen by the Government of India as one of the mission cities for the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission having the goals of improving urban infrastructure, efficient governance and basic services to urban citizens.