Sangam, Allahabad

Sangam, which is the Sanskrit word for “confluence” is quite literally a confluence of three holy rivers in India. The “Triveni Sangam” as the official name goes is the meeting point of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Allahabad. It is believed that the Saraswati river disappears underground at the meeting point.

This scenic location is considered to be very holy by Hindus and priests. Hindus believe that a dip at this confluence can wash away all of one’s sins and free him from the cycle of rebirth. This site is famous for hosting the kumbh mela once every 12 years. The ardh kumbh is also held here after every six years.

An annual Magh Mela is also held here in the month of January. Devotees, notwithstanding the cold, take a purifying dip in the sangam.The ashes of several national leaders and personalities have been immersed here, including the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.