Thousands of devotees from across the Kashmir Valley converged on the Chrar-e-Sharief shrine in Budgam district on Friday, 9 October 2026, to observe the annual Urs of revered Sufi saint Sheikh Nooruddin Wali. The Jammu and Kashmir government declared a public holiday to mark the main day of the celebrations, reflecting the saint's profound importance to Kashmir's spiritual and cultural identity.

Gathering and Ceremonies

Devotees began arriving in Chrar-e-Sharief town as early as Wednesday, with the gathering swelling considerably by Friday. At the shrine, pilgrims offered special prayers, recited the Holy Quran, performed Naats (praises of Prophet Muhammad), and sought blessings for peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Urs traditionally opens with the 'Poshak Bandi' — the ceremonial changing of the holy cloth draped over the saint's grave — followed by night-long prayers. This centuries-old ritual draws participation from communities across the Valley, underlining its deeply inclusive character.

Who Was Sheikh Nooruddin Wali

Born in 1377 in Kulgam district, Sheikh Nooruddin Wali is revered as the patron saint of Kashmir and honoured by the titles 'Alamdar-e-Kashmir' (Standard-Bearer of Kashmir) and 'Sheikh-ul-Alam' (Master of the World). He founded the Rishi Order, a uniquely indigenous branch of Sufism that wove Islamic mysticism together with local spiritual traditions.

At a time when Kashmir was navigating major social and religious upheaval, the saint propagated a philosophy of peace, universal brotherhood, non-violence, and simplicity. His teachings became the philosophical cornerstone of Kashmiriyat — the ethos of communal harmony and religious tolerance that historically bound Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits together.

Crucially, he chose the Kashmiri language over the elite languages of Persian and Arabic to reach ordinary people, conveying his spiritual insights through four-line verses known as 'Shruks'. His poetry is widely credited with laying the foundation for modern Kashmiri literature and preserving the language across generations.

When he passed away in 1438, Kashmir's ruler Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin — popularly called the 'Budshah' (Great King) — walked in his funeral procession alongside thousands of followers, a testament to his immense stature.

Security and Administrative Arrangements

Senior civil and police officials, including Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Sujit Kumar, visited the shrine on Friday to review security, traffic, and law-and-order arrangements. The J&K Waqf Board, civil administration, and local volunteers jointly managed the large gathering.

Authorities ensured uninterrupted water and electricity supply, deployed medical camps, and arranged transport facilities for the smooth conduct of the Urs celebrations. The scale of coordination reflects how central this annual event has become to the civic calendar of Budgam district.

Significance Beyond Religion

The annual Urs at Chrar-e-Sharief is more than a religious observance — it is a living affirmation of Kashmir's syncretic heritage. Notably, the shrine itself has historically drawn pilgrims of multiple faiths, embodying the very Kashmiriyat that Sheikh Nooruddin Wali helped define. This year's gathering, drawing devotees from across the Valley, signals that the tradition of collective reverence remains intact. The event's peaceful conduct is also seen as a marker of the improving ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir.