Prayagraj,[1] also known as Ilahabad or Allahabad in an anglicized version in Roman script,[2] and anciently Prayag, is a city situated on an inland peninsula, surrounded by the rivers Ganges and Yamuna on three sides, with only one side connected to the mainland Doab region, of which it is a part. This position is of importance in Hindu scriptures for it is situated at the confluence, known as Triveni Sangam, of the holy rivers. As per Rigveda the Sarasvati River (now dried up but believed to be flowing under the river Ganges) was part of the three river confluence in ancient times. It is one of four sites of the Kumbh Mela, an important mass Hindu pilgrimage.
- ^ "Officially, after 5 centuries, it is Kumbh in Prayagraj". The Times of India. 16 January 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
- ^ "Ilah Bas, Allahabad and Prayagraj: a city with many names and many stories". The Hindu. 12 January 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 July 2023.