Charar-i-Sharief, Oct 3: The historic town of Charar-i-Sharief has been decked up ahead of the annual Urs of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, with preparations gathering pace to welcome devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.

The town, revered for its deep spiritual and cultural significance, is witnessing heightened activity as authorities, shrine management committees, local residents and volunteers work to ensure smooth arrangements for the annual observance.
Streets leading towards the revered shrine have been cleaned and decorated, while lighting and other temporary arrangements have been put in place to give the town a festive and spiritual ambience. Special attention is being given to sanitation, traffic management, drinking water, power supply and other basic facilities for devotees.
The Urs is among the significant religious observances associated with Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), whose teachings have deeply influenced Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural tradition. Revered as a great Sufi saint, poet and spiritual guide, Sheikh-ul-Alam occupies a unique place in the collective memory of Kashmir.
His verses, known as Vaakh, emphasised spirituality, humility, compassion, truth, self-realisation and the importance of living a simple and morally upright life. His message transcended social divisions and became deeply embedded in Kashmir’s cultural ethos.
As the Urs approaches, devotees from different parts of the Valley are expected to visit Charar-i-Sharief to offer prayers, seek blessings and pay homage at the shrine.
The town is also expected to witness religious gatherings, recitations and special prayers during the observance. Devotees traditionally spend time in prayer and reflection, recalling the teachings and spiritual legacy of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA).
Authorities are expected to maintain close coordination among different departments to manage the anticipated movement of devotees. Police and traffic personnel will be deployed at key points, while civic agencies will focus on cleanliness and sanitation around the shrine and adjoining areas.
Local residents have also been making arrangements to facilitate visitors, reflecting the longstanding tradition of hospitality associated with Charar-i-Sharief.
The preparations have added a distinctive vibrancy to the historic town, with illuminated streets, decorated approaches and increased movement of devotees signalling the beginning of the Urs period.
For Charar-i-Sharief, however, the occasion goes beyond a religious gathering. It is a reaffirmation of a spiritual heritage that has remained closely intertwined with Kashmir’s history, language, literature and social traditions.
As Charar-i-Sharief prepares to welcome devotees, the town once again turns towards the enduring message of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA)—a message of spirituality, simplicity, compassion and harmony.