It has been said that holiness regenerates the world and brings eternal righteousness. Holiness does not mean doing something uncommon but doing all common things with an uncommon fervor. Righteousness in our day to day life is the key to success and happiness.
Holiness is contagious. A person or a thing coming in contact with holiness becomes holy and righteous. Ordered by Lord Brahma, the trinity of holy rivers Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati flowed from heaven for use in the performance of Prakrishta Yajna. The Ganga is routed through the matted hair of Lord Shiva. Allahabad is situated on the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the invisible river Saraswati. Formerly known as Prayag, Allahabad is considered the ‘King of Pilgrimges’ or Tirth Raj.
Thousands of pilgrims throng Allahabad throughout the year for performing ‘holy’ rituals and participating in spiritual congregations. One of the sacred and most important rituals is ‘Pinda Daana’ or putting the last remnants of the departed souls on the holy Ganga, so that they remain in peace in their heavenly abode. The holy water of Ganga-Jamuna-Saraswati or the Triveni in Allahabad is the best place for paying homage to the deceased closer ones.
The world famous Kumbha Mela is the biggest Hindu festival. Its organization after a gap of every twelve years makes it the most sought after fair in the world. Kumbh is the divine period that falls on Makara Sankranti, Mouni Amavasya and Basanta Panchami. These are the most auspicious days taking the ‘holy bath’ or Shahi Snaan’. The popularity of Kumbh Mela could be known from the fact that during the 2013 Mela, almost 100 million people participated in it.
Tourists who can’t wait for twelve years can take part in a smaller version known as Magha Mela that is performed during the Hindu month of Magha, usually during January-February, every year. Mass scale marriages are performed during this period. Tourists enjoy the marriage processions associated with colorful lighting, beating of drums and street dancing.
Tourists also get attracted to Allaahbad during Dussehra to enjoy Ramleela, Pattharchatti and Pajwa performed at every corner of the city. Special attraction for tourists is the famous Kaali Dance organizes in Daraganj during the days of Navratri.
Besides the above religious implications, there are places of historical importance that attract tourists throughout the year. The Zenana Palace located inside the Allahabad Fort built by Akbar in 1583 stands on the bank of the Yamuna. A 35 feet Ashoka Pillar made of polished stone stands at the entrance of the Fort. The never dying banyan tree or ‘Akshai Vata’ attracts tourists’ attention.
At Khusro Bagh, tourists can see the tomb of Khusro, the elder brother of Shah Jahan. Other places of interest are Moti Mahal and Bari Kothi, Daragunj, Chandra Sekhar Park, Minto Park, Yamuna Bridge, Navasuki Temple and Allahhbad court, Jwahar Planetarium.
Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan showcase the personal correspondences and family photographs of Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of post-independence India.
Besides sanctifying mind, a visit to Allahabad rejuvenates, revitalizes and re-energizes every visitor with the spirit to work efficiently and live happily.