When Prayagraj, the ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, India, officially renamed in 2018 to reflect its historical and spiritual roots. Also known as Allahabad, it was once the administrative heart of British India and a symbol of colonial governance. The shift back to Prayagraj wasn’t just a paperwork update—it was a reclamation of identity, tied to the city’s oldest name and its sacred geography.
The name Prayagraj comes from Prayag, the Sanskrit word for "confluence"—a place where rivers meet. Also known as Triveni Sangam, this is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers come together, making it one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. The British renamed it Allahabad in the 1800s, after the Mughal emperor Akbar built a fort called Ilahabas. But for locals, the spiritual meaning of Prayag never faded. The renaming in 2018 wasn’t sudden—it was the result of decades of local advocacy, religious sentiment, and a broader movement across India to restore indigenous names.
Changing a city’s name isn’t just about signs and documents. It affects how people see themselves. Schools, newspapers, and even old-timers still say Allahabad. But younger generations, pilgrims, and government documents now use Prayagraj. The Allahabad Development Authority, the body responsible for urban planning in the city. Also known as ADA, it now uses Prayagraj in all official communications, maps, and projects. This shift mirrors how infrastructure, tourism, and civic pride are being rebuilt around the new identity.
People often ask: Does the name change really matter? Look at the Kumbh Mela—millions still come to the Sangam, not because it’s called Allahabad, but because it’s Prayag. The name isn’t just history—it’s alive in rituals, in street signs, in how the city markets itself to the world. If you’re visiting, reading about development projects, or even checking police station locations, you’ll now find Prayagraj everywhere. The past isn’t erased—it’s being rewritten in a way that honors its roots.
What you’ll find below are posts that dig into every corner of this transformed city—from its rivers and police stations to its famous sons and hidden landmarks. Whether you’re curious about the name’s origin, how it changed daily life, or what it means for Prayagraj’s future, the answers are here.
Prayagraj was once known as Allahabad for over 400 years, named by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583. The city's original Vedic name, Prayag, dates back thousands of years. The 2018 renaming sparked cultural debates but didn't erase its layered history.
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