Aqzar Raheel
Srinagar|Oct, 20 : In a profound display of devotion and spiritual unity, thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir converged at the revered shrine of Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Aalam, Alamdar-e-Kashmir, and Nund Reshi at Charar-e-Sharief in Budgam district to observe the annual Urs of the 14th-century Sufi saint.
The annual Urs, one of the most significant events in Kashmir’s religious and cultural calendar, draws people from all walks of life who gather to pay homage to the saint’s timeless teachings of simplicity, truthfulness, love, justice, and service to humanity. The atmosphere at Charar-e-Sharief remained vibrant with faith as men, women, and children offered prayers, recited Quranic verses, and participated in rituals observed for generations.
The three-day observance began on Saturday with Poshakbandi, the ceremonial dressing of the shrine, symbolising renewal and reverence. On Sunday night, thousands participated in Shab Khawani a night-long vigil of prayers and Quranic recitations praying for peace, prosperity, and divine mercy for the region.
The Urs culminated on Monday with large gatherings offering Fateha-Khawani (special prayers for the departed) while reflecting on the saint’s enduring legacy, which continues to shape Kashmir’s moral and spiritual ethos.
“This shrine brings peace to our hearts. We come here every year to remember the saint’s teachings and pray for harmony in our lives and our land,” said a devotee, overwhelmed with emotion. Another added, “The message of Sheikh-ul-Aalam (RA) reminds us to live with simplicity, humility, and compassion. His words remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.”
The spiritual fervour was matched by meticulous administrative preparations. The Budgam district administration, in coordination with the Waqf Board and local authorities, made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Urs. Medical camps were set up near the shrine to assist the elderly and infirm, while traffic police managed vehicular movement amid heavy crowds. Security personnel were deployed throughout Charar-e-Sharief to ensure peace and order.
Local volunteers also played a crucial role, distributing water and refreshments and guiding pilgrims within the shrine complex. The collaboration between officials and the community fostered an atmosphere of serenity and mutual respect throughout the observance. Religious scholars and clerics addressed gatherings during the Urs, recalling the saint’s life and teachings. They emphasized that Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) championed communal harmony, moral integrity, and compassion for all. His message, they noted, transcends time and faith, serving as a beacon for those seeking spiritual peace in a turbulent world.
Born in the 14th century, Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani also known as Nund Reshi played a transformative role in shaping Kashmir’s spiritual landscape. His philosophy, rooted in simplicity and human equality, laid the foundation for the Valley’s distinct Sufi culture. The shrine at Charar-e-Sharief, housing his mausoleum, has for centuries remained a symbol of Kashmir’s composite culture and a gathering point for people from diverse backgrounds.
The Urs of Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) is thus not only a religious observance but also a cultural reaffirmation a moment for Kashmiris to reconnect with their spiritual roots and collective identity. It embodies the essence of Kashmir’s Sufi tradition, where devotion, tolerance, and compassion transcend all divisions. As chants of prayer echoed across Charar-e-Sharief and devotees dispersed with hearts filled with faith, the annual Urs once again served as a reminder of the region’s enduring heritage a living testament to the message of love, humility, and unity preached by Sheikh-ul-Aalam centuries ago.
