In January and February, 2001, Allahabad hosted Kumbh Mela from 9th January to 21st Feb 2001. During this period, Allahabad became the most populated city of the world and over 30 million people from different parts of the world participated in Kumbh Mela. Religious discourses, cultural activities and other events kept the people at large spell bound during this month long festival and viewed as the biggest spectacle of faith and symbolic of 'Jagat Kutumbkam' or 'Global village', wherein different cultures, different religions, different schools of thoughts came together and discussed and shared information and knowledge. It was an open University on religion.

Over the centuries, Allahabad has remained on the forefront of national importance - more so, during the days of the Indian Independence struggle. The chequered history of Allahabad with its religious, cultural and historical ethos also gave rise to several renowned scholars, poets, writers, thinkers, statesmen and leaders.

Festivals -Magh Mela, Kumbh Mela and Dussehra

Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela, believed to be the largest religious gathering on earth is held every 12 years on the banks of the 'Sangam'- the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswathi. The Mela alternates between Nasik, Allahabad, Ujjain and Haridwar every three years. The one celebrated at the Holy Sangam in Allahabad is the largest and holiest of them. The Mela is attended by millions of devotees including Sadhus. A holy dip in the sacred waters is believed to cleanse the soul. The Sangam comes alive during Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh with an enormous temporary township springing up on the vacant land on the Allahabad side of the river.

The legend goes thus- the gods and the demons fight for a pot of nectar (Amrit Kumbh): the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu, disguising himself as an enchantress (Mohini), seized the nectar from the demons. While fleeing from the evil ones, Lord Vishnu passed the nectar on to his winged mount, Garuda. The demons finally caught up with Garuda and in the ensuing struggle, a few drops of the precious nectar fell on Allahabad , Nasik , Haridwar and Ujjain . Since then, the Kumbh Mela has been held in all these places, alternatively, every 12 years.

Ardh Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela
The Ardh or half Kumbh, is held every six years on the banks of Sangam. Second only to the Kumbh in sanctity, the Ardh Kumbh also attracts devouts in millions, from all over the world. Magh Mela is an annual event held at the Sangam.

Dussehra
Dussehra of Allahabad is unique. During Dussehra, beautifully decorated "Chowkis" (tableau) are taken out from different localities, depicting various scenes from Indian mythology. Every 'Chowki' is decorated tastefully and there is a competitive spirit in bringing out the most beautiful 'Chowki'.