Yogi Adityanath Government Moves To Rename Allahabad To Prayagraj; Decision Likely Before Kumbh 

The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh (UP) is likely to take a decision to rename Allahabad to Prayagraj as the city prepares to host the Kumbh Mela in 2019, ANI has reported.

The news comes amidst reports that several banners for the next year’s Kumbh already sport the name Prayagraj instead of Allahabad.

UP’s deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya confirmed the news, and said that the government has decided to change the name.

Since ages, Allahabad is famous for its Prayag - the meeting point of three major rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and the city derives its identity from the place.

"The place (Allahabad) has always been recognised by its place Prayag since ages", Maurya told ANI.

The city hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years and the next holy congregation in the city will take place in 2019. Earlier, several seers across akharas had met Yogi Adityanath to demand the name change before the Kumbh commences on 15 January.