Thousands attend annual urs of Sheikh-ul-Aalam (RA) at Charar-i-Sharief

Budgam, Oct 9: Nearly 50,000 devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country participated in the annual Urs of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Aalam, at Charar-i-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Friday.
The main Urs was marked by Friday prayers and special supplications, with thousands of devotees gathering at the revered shrine to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The shrine witnessed a large gathering of devotees, many of whom travelled long distances to participate in the annual religious congregation and pay their respects to the revered Sufi saint, also known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir.
Among the devotees was Shabeen Ansari, who travelled from Delhi to attend the Urs. Speaking to reporters, she said, “I have come from Delhi especially for this occasion. We wait for this day, as we have deep faith in Alamdar-e-Kashmir. People come here with their wishes and prayers, believing that their supplications will be fulfilled.”
Ansari said that devotees from different backgrounds visit the shrine, reflecting their faith in the revered saint.
Another devotee Mohammad Aslam said he visits the shrine every year on the occasion of Urs to offer special prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
“I come here every year on this day to offer prayers. I prayed for peace, prosperity and development of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the entire country. We should all live together in peace and harmony,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Traffic Police and other civil departments remained deployed on roads from early morning to regulate traffic and facilitate the smooth movement of devotees arriving from different parts of the country. The coordinated efforts of the concerned departments were aimed at ensuring the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual Urs amid the large gathering.
The annual Urs holds immense spiritual and cultural significance in Kashmir, with devotees gathering at Charar-i-Sharief to remember the teachings of Sheikh-ul-Aalam and pray for peace, harmony and prosperity. (KNO)