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A dip in the holy Sangam of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati is a must for the spiritually inclined. It is a sacred holy site for Hindus. According to Vedic literature and myths it is called Triveni Sangam because three rivers meet up here namely the holy Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati which is believed to be flowing beneath the surface. At the time of churning of sea (samudra manthana) by Gods (Devas) and the Demons (Asuras) few drops of amrita (holy nectar that makes a mortal immortal) fell at four different parts of the subcontinent during a fight between Gods and Demons over it. That places are Haridwar, Nashik, Prayag and Ujjain and are considered holy and Maha Kumbh Mela is organised once in 12 years. Millions of pilgrims, tourists, ascetics, sadhu/sant (holy men) visit Prayag at the time of month long Kumbh for taking holy dip at sangam and perform religious rituals and ceremonies. Also Magh Mela is organised annually on January–February (Magh month of the Hindu calendar) and millions visit to take holy dip at Sangam.
The Allahabad Fort, built from the year 1583 onwards by Akbar, stands at the junction of the two great rivers. It was the largest of Akbar's forts, and although its original form has been much impaired by early restoration work, the splendid Zenana Palace survives. It is a fine pavilion, with a central square hall carried on 64 columns bordered by a deep veranda of double columns and there are clusters of four in each corner.
It is the seat of Justice in Uttar Pradesh, and is the oldest high court in the country with largest strength of judges.
Alfred Park or Chandrashekhar Azad Park
It is the place to experience the British era of Indian history. The park came up in 1870 during the visit of Prince Alfred (second son of Queen Victoria) and was named after him. It also came to be known as Company Bag. It is the largest park in Prayagraj and covers an area of 133 acres. Encircled in this park are Allahabad Museum (for details see Museum section), Victoria memorial and the public library. It was in this park where freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad shot himself with his last bullet on 27 Feb 1931. A memorial stands in his memory at the foot of the tree, where he shot himself. Located nearby is a full length statue of the freedom fighter. Post independence the park was renamed as Chandrashekhar Azad Park.
Victoria Memorial is not a memorial but a canopy, which once housed the imposing marble statue of Queen Victoria. The impressive marble canopy along with the statue was installed in 1905 and was inaugurated by Sir James John Digges La Touche, the governor of United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. In 1960s the statue of Queen Victoria was removed and shifted to the Municipal Museum in Lucknow. The canopy has been vacant ever since.
Allahabad Public Library
The marvelous monuments is perched in Company Garden. The monument served as the house of the legislative assembly during the British era, when Allahabad was the capital of United Provinces. It has been converted to the Public Library. The monument is beautifully carved from white sandstone and is drenched in Gothic serenity.
Khusro Bagh is a walled Mughal styled garden and burial chamber located just south of the Allahabad (Prayagraj) Junction station. It is named after Mirza Khusro, the eldest son of Jahangir and elder brother of Shah Jahan. The complex contains three mighty tombs along with a smaller tomb, dating back to the early 17th century. The complex also contains two fountains, water channels and pavilions. It is approached through a massive gateway on the south. During the Revolt of 1857 Khusrau Bagh became the headquarters of the sepoys under Maulvi Liaquat Ali who took charge as the Governor of liberated Prayagraj. The area surrounding is also known as Khusro Bagh, the crowded locality is known for the famous 'Allahabadi Guavas'.