UP’s deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya confirmed the news, and said that the government has decided to change the name.

Since ages, Allahabad is famous for its Prayag - the meeting point of three major rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and the city derives its identity from the place.

"The place (Allahabad) has always been recognised by its place Prayag since ages", Maurya told ANI.

The city hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years and the next holy congregation in the city will take place in 2019. Earlier, several seers across akharas had met Yogi Adityanath to demand the name change before the Kumbh commences on 15 January.