Allahabad will now on be officially known as Prayagraj.
A decision to this effect was ratified by the Uttar Pradesh cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday.
Briefing the media, government spokesman and Health Minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said the decision was taken keeping in mind the rich cultural, historic and religious heritage of the city.
He added that the name Prayagraj was found mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures.
Adityanath had made the announcement in Allahabad on Saturday. Allahabad will host 'Ardh Kumbh' in January.
The cabinet also took 12 major decisions including allocation of funds for seven medical colleges in the state and assimilation of 23 villages under the 'sadar' tehsil in Lalitpur district.
To encourage milk production, the cabinet approved a proposal for granting 'Nand Baba Award' to farmers who excel in milk production.
More From This Section
--IANS
md/mr