The King of Pilgrimages (Tirtharaj)
Prayagraj, historically known as Allahabad (The City of God) and Prayag (The Place of Offerings), is a city that sits at the very heart of Hindu spirituality and Indian history. It is defined by the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence where the murky, pale-yellow waters of the Ganges meet the calm, blue-green waters of the Yamuna, and the invisible, mythical Saraswati river. This geographical union is considered the 'Tirtharaj,' the King of all Pilgrimage sites. Scriptures state that Lord Brahma performed the first sacrifice (Prakrishta Yajna) here after creating the universe, grounding the city in cosmic importance.
Beyond mythology, the city is a palimpsest of eras. It was a provincial capital under the Mughal Empire, with Emperor Akbar building his grandest fort here to control the waterways. Later, it became the nerve center of the British Raj and the Indian Independence Movement. The city's Civil Lines area retains a distinct colonial charm with broad avenues and bungalows, while the Chowk area buzzes with medieval chaos. It is the hometown of Jawaharlal Nehru and has produced prime ministers, poets, and jurists, earning it the reputation of being the intellectual capital of Uttar Pradesh.
However, the city's identity is most visibly transformed during the Kumbh Mela. Held every 12 years (with the Ardh Kumbh every 6 years and Magh Mela annually), it creates the world's largest temporary city on the shifting sands of the riverbanks. Millions of ascetics, tourists, and devotees congregate here, creating a spectacle of faith that is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. A visit to Prayagraj is a dip into the deep waters of India's collective soul.
Explore the landmarks that define Prayagraj's spiritual and historical landscape.
The sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati. The distinct colors of the rivers are visible where they meet mid-stream.
A massive fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 on the banks of the confluence. It houses the immortal 'Akshaya Vat' tree and the Patalpuri Temple.
The historic ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family. A pilgrimage site for those interested in India's freedom struggle.
Immerse yourself in rituals and traditions that have flowed through ages.
Participate in the purifying ritual of bathing at the confluence. Boats take you to the mid-river shallow points for this sacred act.
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga-Yamuna Aarti at Nehru Ghat or Saraswati Ghat. A spectacle of fire, chants, and river worship.
The world's largest religious gathering, held every 12 years. A temporary tent city rises on the riverbed to host millions of seekers.
The city that nurtured the legends of the flute and vocals.
The world-renowned master of the Bansuri (Indian bamboo flute). Born in Allahabad, his music carries the fluid grace of the rivers.
A powerhouse vocalist known for Khayal, Thumri, and Dadra. Born in Allahabad into an academic family, she represents the city's intellectual heritage.
The nephew and disciple of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. He is carrying the legacy of the Maihar gharana forward with modern fusion and classical purity.
Discover the eco-friendly Moonj craft and bamboo artistry.
The signature craft of Prayagraj (ODOP). Baskets and containers woven from wild Moonj grass found on the riverbanks.
Furniture and decor made from bamboo. The city has a dedicated market for these sustainable goods.
The Kumhar community creates mud idols for festivals, a tradition linked to the cycle of the rivers.
The legendary red guavas, spicy samosas, and unique chaat.
The city's fuel. Urad dal stuffed dough fried crisp, served with a spicy, soupy potato curry.
Loknath Gali is the chaat capital. Try the Dahi Sonth ke Batashe and the crispy Aloo Tikki fried in pure ghee.
Not just any samosa. These are fried in pure ghee, giving them a rich aroma and a flaky texture.
Extend your spiritual journey to nearby pilgrimage sites and holy cities.
The spiritual capital of India. Experience the sacred Ganga Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in the world's oldest living city.
The sacred birthplace of Lord Rama. Experience the newly constructed Ram Mandir, the fortress of Hanuman Garhi, and the serene Saryu Ghats in a city reborn.
The land of salvation and enlightenment. Walk where the Buddha found Nirvana and perform sacred rites for ancestors on the banks of the Falgu.
