Charar Sharief, Oct 7: Thousands of devotees have begun thronging the revered shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Alam, at Charar Sharief in Budgam district ahead of the annual Urs, turning the historic Sufi town into a vibrant centre of faith and devotion.

Devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as visitors from outside the Union Territory, are arriving at Charar Sharief to pay obeisance at the shrine and seek blessings of the revered saint, whose teachings of spirituality, simplicity, compassion and communal harmony continue to inspire generations.
The annual Urs of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) is one of the most significant religious gatherings in the region. The occasion brings together people from diverse backgrounds, reaffirming Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of Sufi spirituality and peaceful coexistence.
The shrine complex and adjoining areas have witnessed a steady increase in the flow of devotees as the Urs approaches. Men, women and elderly devotees can be seen offering prayers, reciting verses and seeking divine blessings. Many devotees also visit the shrine with families, continuing traditions passed down through generations.
Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), also revered as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, occupies a unique place in Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural history. His poetry and teachings emphasised truth, humility, compassion, self-discipline and harmony among communities. His verses, preserved through generations, remain deeply embedded in Kashmir’s cultural consciousness.
For devotees, the annual Urs is not merely a religious observance but an opportunity for spiritual renewal. Many spend time in prayers and reflection, while others seek peace and blessings at the sacred shrine.
Preparations for the gathering have been stepped up in and around Charar Sharief, with arrangements focused on the smooth movement of devotees and the management of the large crowds expected during the main Urs days. Attention is also being given to sanitation, drinking water, traffic regulation, medical assistance and other essential facilities.
The administration and concerned departments are expected to maintain close coordination to ensure that devotees face minimum inconvenience during the pilgrimage. Security arrangements have also been strengthened in view of the large gathering.
Local residents, shopkeepers and volunteers have traditionally played an important role in facilitating the annual congregation. The influx of pilgrims also provides a seasonal boost to local economic activity, benefiting traders, transporters, artisans and other service providers.
The spiritual significance of Charar Sharief extends beyond the shrine itself. The town has long been regarded as one of Kashmir’s important centres of Sufi thought and devotion. The presence of the shrine has helped preserve a rich tradition of religious scholarship, poetry and spiritual practice.
As the Urs draws closer, the atmosphere in Charar Sharief is becoming increasingly devotional. The continuous arrival of pilgrims reflects the enduring reverence for Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) and the deep place his message occupies in the hearts of the people.
For thousands converging on the shrine, the Urs remains a journey of faith, remembrance and hope—a collective expression of devotion to one of Kashmir’s most revered spiritual figures