What Are People From Allahabad Called? The Real Name and Why It Changed
People from Allahabad are called Allahabadis. But if you say that today in the city itself, you might get a raised eyebrow. That’s because the city hasn’t been called Allahabad since 2018. The official name is now Prayagraj - and the people? They’re Prayagrajis.
Why the Name Changed
The name Allahabad was given by Emperor Akbar in 1583, meaning "City of Allah." It stuck for over 400 years. But in 2018, the Uttar Pradesh government officially renamed the city Prayagraj. The change wasn’t just about paperwork. It was a move to reconnect with the city’s ancient roots. Long before it was Allahabad, this was Prayag - the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. In Hindu tradition, Prayag is one of the holiest sites in India. Millions gather here during the Kumbh Mela, the largest human gathering on Earth.The government argued that "Allahabad" erased the city’s spiritual heritage. Critics said the change was political. Either way, the legal shift was clear. All government documents, signs, and official communications now use Prayagraj. Even the railway station changed its name from "Allahabad Junction" to "Prayagraj Junction."
Who Still Uses "Allahabadis"?
You’ll still hear "Allahabadis" everywhere - in old books, from people who grew up there, and in diaspora communities abroad. Many older residents refuse to switch. They remember the city as it was. University alumni from Allahabad University still call themselves Allahabadis. So do the families who’ve lived here for generations. For them, the name isn’t just a label - it’s part of their identity.Younger people? They’re more likely to say "Prayagrajis." Especially those who’ve grown up after 2018. They see the name change as a correction, not a loss. Local newspapers like Prayagraj Darpan and TV channels now use Prayagraj in all headlines. Even Google Maps updated its labels in 2019.
What About the Word Itself?
The suffix "-i" in Hindi and Urdu means "belonging to." So "Allahabadi" = "from Allahabad." "Prayagraji" = "from Prayagraj." The grammar is the same. The only difference is the root word. That’s why the transition was linguistically smooth. No new word had to be invented. Just a swap.But here’s the twist: "Allahabadis" didn’t disappear overnight. People still use it informally. You’ll hear it in homes, in WhatsApp groups, and in nostalgic stories. It’s like calling someone from Bombay a "Bombayite" even though the city’s now Mumbai. Old names linger - especially when they’re tied to personal memories.
How to Know Which One to Use
If you’re writing formally - for a government document, academic paper, or official website - use Prayagraji. That’s the legally correct term now.If you’re speaking casually, especially with someone who lived there before 2018, "Allahabadi" is still perfectly fine. Most people won’t correct you. But if you’re visiting the city, you’ll notice the signs. The airport is Prayagraj Airport. The main college is Prayagraj University. The local bus routes are labeled with Prayagraj. Using the new name shows you’re in tune with the present.
There’s no penalty for using either. But if you want to avoid confusion, here’s a simple rule: Use "Prayagraji" when talking about the city today. Use "Allahabadi" when referring to history, culture, or people from the past.
What You’ll Find in Prayagraj Today
The city hasn’t changed its soul just because the name did. You’ll still find the same bustling ghats along the Sangam, the same chai stalls serving masala tea, the same students rushing to the university campus. The food is still the same - kebabs, jalebis, and the famous "Allahabadi paan," now called "Prayagraji paan" on menus.Local artists still paint murals of the old name. Some shopkeepers keep "Allahabad" on their signs, just to keep tradition alive. But if you ask a taxi driver where to go, he’ll say "Prayagraj." If you book a train ticket, you’ll need to search for Prayagraj.
Why This Matters Beyond the Name
This isn’t just about a sign change. It’s about how cities reclaim their identity. Prayagraj’s history goes back thousands of years - older than Delhi, older than Agra. The name "Allahabad" was imposed during Mughal rule. "Prayagraj" brings it back to its Vedic roots. That shift carries weight. It’s not just about politics. It’s about memory, faith, and who gets to decide what a place is called.For outsiders, it’s easy to think of this as a bureaucratic update. But for locals, it’s deeply personal. A grandmother might still call her childhood home "Allahabad." Her grandchild, born in 2020, might say "Prayagraj" without ever knowing the old name. That’s how history changes - slowly, quietly, one generation at a time.
Final Answer: What Are People From Allahabad Called?
Technically? They’re Prayagrajis. That’s the official term now. But if you meet someone who grew up before 2018, they’ll still call themselves Allahabadis - and they’re not wrong. Both names are true, just from different times.So if you’re writing a history book? Use Allahabadi. If you’re filling out a form in 2025? Use Prayagraji. If you’re talking to a local? Ask them what they prefer. Most will say, "Call me what you like - I’m from here."
Are Allahabad and Prayagraj the same place?
Yes, they’re the same city. Allahabad was the official name from 1583 until October 2018, when the government changed it to Prayagraj. The city’s location, people, and culture haven’t changed - only the official name.
Can I still say "Allahabadis" in 2025?
Yes, you can. Many people still use it, especially older residents and those outside Uttar Pradesh. But in official contexts - government forms, news reports, train tickets - "Prayagraji" is the correct term. Using "Allahabadi" isn’t wrong, but it’s considered outdated in formal settings.
Why did they change the name from Allahabad to Prayagraj?
The name change was made to reflect the city’s ancient Hindu heritage. Prayag means "place of sacrifice" in Sanskrit and refers to the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The government said "Allahabad" erased this spiritual history, which dates back over 3,000 years. The change was part of a broader effort to restore indigenous names across India.
Do people from Prayagraj still celebrate the Kumbh Mela?
Yes, absolutely. The Kumbh Mela happens every 12 years at the Sangam in Prayagraj and draws over 100 million people. The name change didn’t affect the festival. In fact, many locals say the new name makes the spiritual connection clearer. The event is still called the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.
Is Allahabad University still called that?
Yes, the university kept its original name for now. It’s still officially "Allahabad University," even though the city changed. Many institutions retained their old names after the city’s renaming. But students and locals often say "University of Prayagraj" informally.
What should I call someone from Prayagraj if I don’t know their preference?
Use "Prayagraji." It’s the current official term and shows respect for the city’s updated identity. If they respond with "I’m an Allahabadi," you can say, "Ah, that makes sense - I’ve heard the old name still means a lot to people." It’s polite, accurate, and open to their story.