Ghaziabad's new name: Three options approved. CM Yogi to decide

The idea of renaming Ghaziabad has gained momentum in recent years, particularly after Allahabad underwent a name change to Prayagraj in 2018. The Ghaziabad municipal corporation on Tuesday passed a proposal for renaming Ghaziabad. Three options - Gaj Prastha, Doodheshwar Nath Nagar or Harnandipuram - are currently under consideration and will be sent to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who will take a final call.
However, any such change of name will ultimately require the Centre's nod.

A proposal for changing the name of Ghaziabad was passed by an absolute majority of the councillors and the new name will be decided by the CM, the mayor said.


These names are related to the Mahabharata as present-day Ghaziabad was a part of Hastinapur , according to head priest of Doodheshwer Nath temple Mahant Narayan Giri. These names are related to the Mahabharata as present-day Ghaziabad was a part of Hastinapur, according to Giri.

This area used to be a dense forest inhabited by elephants, which are called 'Gaj' in Hindi. Therefore, Ghaziabad was called Gaj Prastha, Giri claimed.

He has been a key advocate for the renaming efforts. In 2022, he met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, submitting a memorandum suggesting names like Gajprastha, Dudheshwarath Nagar, or Harnandipuram for Ghaziabad. Giri explained the connection to Mahabharat, highlighting that the region was once part of Hastinapur. The proposed names, Gajpura or Gajnagar, draw from the historical context of a forested area housing wild animals, including elephants.

The name 'Harnandi Nagar' is linked to the Hindon River, flowing past Ghaziabad. Giri's advocacy aligns with references in the UP District Gazetteers of Meerut, mentioning dense forests to the north of Hastinapur where elephants lived, connecting the proposed names with the historical context.

The origin of Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad's origins date back to 1739 when Nadir Shah invaded India, causing disruption in neighboring districts. In 1740, Ghazi-ud-din founded Ghaziuddinnagar, a name later shortened to Ghaziabad with the advent of railways in 1864. The discussion around renaming reflects a broader trend in India, where cities and towns have undergone name changes to align with historical or cultural sentiments.