Budgam: The annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA), popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, commenced at the revered shrine in Charar-i-Sharief on Wednesday with the traditional Poshak Bandi ritual being performed amid religious fervour and devotion.
The sacred ceremony of changing the cloth draped over the holy grave of the revered Sufi saint was carried out by Senior Member of the J&K Waqf Board Syed Mohammad Hussain Hakani, Administrator Mohammad Amin Dar and Mutawali Ziyarat Mohammad Younis Haji in the presence of Waqf Board officials and a large gathering of devotees.
The shrine echoed with Naats, Manqabats and special prayers as devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir assembled to witness the ritual and pay obeisance at the shrine.
Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA), also known as Sheikh-ul-Aalam, occupies a central place in Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural heritage. His teachings of peace, tolerance and brotherhood continue to inspire generations across the Valley.
The annual Urs draws thousands of devotees who visit Charar-i-Sharief to offer prayers and seek blessings during the commemorative observances.
According to the programme issued by the J&K Waqf Board, Shab Khwani will be held on October 8, while the main Urs Mubarak will be observed on October 9. The concluding Friday congregation is scheduled for October 16.
Authorities have put in place arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Urs, including provision of drinking water, electricity, sanitation and transport facilities. Security and traffic management measures have also been made to facilitate devotees and ensure peaceful observance of the annual religious event.
Govt postpones Urs-e-Sheikh-ul-Alam holiday in Kashmir to Oct 9
The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday postponed the provincial holiday in Kashmir on account of the Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA) by one day.
According to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the holiday, which was earlier scheduled to be observed on October 8, will now be observed on October 9 across Kashmir province.
The decision was notified through Government Order No. 1614-JK(GAD) of 2026 issued on October 7, partially modifying the annual holiday calendar notified vide Government Order No. 1894-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated December 12, 2025.
The order stated that the provincial holiday in connection with the Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Alam, will now fall on Friday, October 9.
The order was issued by the General Administration Department by order of the Lieutenant Governor and signed by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, M. Raju.
The revised holiday will be applicable only to Kashmir province.
The government has circulated the order to all concerned departments and authorities, including senior administrative officers, divisional and district administrations, police, judiciary and other government institutions for necessary action.
